Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., and By Kids For Kids Co., an organization that inspires kids to be successful inventors, launched the “Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Program and Challenge” in June 15.
The Sikorsky challenge is a national competition that runs from June 15, 2012 to Sept. 15, 2012.
Kids ages 9 – 16 are challenged to envision an environmentally-friendly helicopter of the future.
Judges will select the winners based on the following criteria — concept uniqueness, description detail and impact on the environment.
Students can enter the competition at www.helicopter2050.com.
The winner from the competition will win the Igor Sikorsky Youth Innovator Award and a $1,000 scholarship.
The winner and parent will also be flown to Sikorsky’s headquarters in Stratford where they will tour the assembly line of Sikorsky’s iconic BLACK HAWK AND SEAHAWK military helicopters.
They will also have the opportunity to meet with rotorcraft designers and engineers from the company.
“Young people are our gateway to the future and at the forefront of innovation,” said Judy Bankowski, vice-president and chief information officer at Sikorsky.
The Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Program and Challenge is a hands-on program focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics where kids learn about flight and helicopters.
Museums around the country are invited to take part in the program and engage young visitors to envision the environmental future of helicopters while learning important scientific and engineering principles through fun hands on activities.
Visit www.helicopter2050.com to see a list of participating museums.
Last year, 15-year-old Tharon Trujillo from Plumas Lake, CA won the award for his concept of an unmanned helicopter equipped to respond to disaster relief and recovery situations.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is based in Stratford.
