Cranfield University’s National Flying Laboratory Centre has been successful in a bid for funding from the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund. This government led initiative is aimed at encouraging young people into careers in the aviation sector.
The funding will support six tailored STEM outreach days at Cranfield University for local students in school years 5 to 8.
In 2026, the school children will come to Cranfield’s campus and visit specialist facilities including the NFLC Saab340 flying classroom, the Cranfield University Boeing 737, and the Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre. They will then be challenged to design a paper plane, with expert guidance from Cranfield University’s Dr Yicheng Sun who reached the global finals of the Red Bull Paper Wings competition, and appeared on Britain’s Got Talent.
As part of the day, the students will also have the opportunity to talk to experts from a wide variety of employment fields within aviation.
Rob Harrison FRAeS, Head of the National Flying Laboratory Centre at Cranfield University, said the experience will be inspirational for the visiting students: “As a STEM Ambassador, I know how important it is to show how accessible a career in aviation can be. It is not just about pilots and engineers. There are so many other branches within the aviation career path.
“I want to make sure the students leave Cranfield knowing the breadth of opportunities available to them, as well as having an amazing day they won’t forget!”
