Balloon Day
The company hosts an annual Raven Aerostar Balloon Day. One year, over 200
students across six middle schools gathered at the Raven Innovation Campus and
Raven Aerostar’s manufacturing facility in Sioux Falls, SD. Organized activities
of this type encourage and support STEM education for South Dakota students,
while exposing them to the profession of engineering and related manufacturing
technologies. During the event, students observed the launch of a zero-pressure
balloon, witnessed a drop test in support of stratospheric platform advancement,
participated in hands-on workshops regarding stratospheric balloon technology,
saw stratospheric balloons being manufactured, and engaged with people whose
careers are rooted in STEM education.
Engineering Career Day
Engineering Career Day is an interactive educational program that is centered
around the fields of engineering for high school students at all levels. Students
attend a one day session designed to provide exposure to business leaders, hear
from Raven team members, and explore real-life applications in disciplines of
engineering such as:
• Agricultural Engineering.
• Electrical Engineering.
• Computer/Software Engineering.
• Mechanical Engineering.
• Aerospace Engineering.
• Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering.
• Chemical Engineering.
• IT Engineering.
Fig. 10.6 Raven Aerostar Career Day presentations. Photo courtesy of Raven Industries
10.3 Examples of Corporate Education Programs 245