Google has partnered with Rogers State University to host the third annual AeroGames on Saturday, October 25 at the RSU Pryor campus at MidAmerica Industrial Park. The AeroGames is a competition for middle and high school students to participate in hands-on STEM-related activities.
In an effort to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, Google and RSU have come together to offer a fun, interactive learning experience for Oklahoma students at no cost to schools. Sixteen teams from 12 area school districts are scheduled to compete in the AeroGames activities.
“At Google, we want to inspire young people to participate and excel in STEM. The AeroGames provide an opportunity for hands-on learning and mastery of STEM principles. We are excited to be a part of a community that plays such a big role in preparing students for these particular career paths,” said Mike Wooten, operations manager for the Google Oklahoma data center in Mayes County.
Since the opening of Google’s Oklahoma data center in 2011, it has awarded more than $555,000 in grants related to STEM education in northeast Oklahoma including funding laptop labs and robotics programs.
The AeroGames will close with keynote speaker, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Robbie Hood, an atmospheric scientist and a descendent of the first elected chief of the Cherokee Nation. Hood was just announced as director of the NOAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems program.
“Rogers State is committed to increasing the preparedness of Oklahomans to thrive in an ever-changing technological environment,” said RSU President Dr. Larry Rice. “To help younger students develop and maintain an interest in STEM-related fields, we know that we have to present educational activities that are both fun and meaningful. We’re so honored that Google has been our partner in the AeroGames to help reach out to students in northeastern Oklahoma who might not otherwise be able to participate in events like this.”
This will be the first year for the event to be held at the recently opened RSU Pryor campus, which is located at the MidAmerica Industrial Park and near Google’s data center. The RSU Pryor campus is located at 2155 Highway 69A.
Opening ceremonies will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the RSU Pryor auditorium. The speaking event and all of the competitions and awards ceremonies are open to the public.