On Monday, April 20, students in Burroughs High School’s Principles of Engineering (POE) class stepped beyond the classroom and intro the future of aerospace, visiting the NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Mojave Air and Space Port, where they learned about the cutting-edge innovations happening in the aerospace world and how they could become a part of it.
The trip is part of the school’s participation in the Aero-Flex Pre-Apprenticeship program, an initiative designed to prepare students for careers in engineering and advanced manufacturing. Through the program, students complete a series of industry-aligned courses, earn certifications, and build job-ready skills such as resume writing, interviewing, and workplace expectations.
“I think it’s great for students to see and learn the work that they could do after high school,” said BHS principal Carrie Cope, who accompanied the students on the trip. “Going to a facility that is doing the work helps inspire students.”
Earlier this year, Aero-flex representatives worked with students on resume development and conducted mock interviews. The field trip served as a real-world extension of that preparation, connecting classroom learning to potential career pathways.
Head Counselor David Vigneault said the experience game students a broader understanding of STEM careers, exposing them to both engineering roles and hands-on manufacturing jobs while emphasizing that not all pathways require a four-year degree.
At NASA Armstrong, students toured facilities where experimental aircraft are developed and tested, including a machine shop that produces specialized parts for cutting-edge projects. They learned how the shop operates, how they could possibly join their field of work through internships, and what skills they would need to succeed. Additionally, the students were able to see the X-59, a one-of-a-kind experimental plane that is designed for supersonic speeds.
The aircraft drew particular interest from students, who gathered around it and took photos throughout the visit.
“My favorite part of the field trip was seeing the X-59 at the NASA Armstrong Center and hanging out with friends,” said sophomore Angel Vailente. “This field trip allowed me to discover great endeavors of my future and have a good time with friends.”
Afterward, the students traveled to the Mojave Air and Space Port, where they learned about the range of aerospace operations based at the site. Additionally, students toured one of the many hangars of the National Test Pilot School and explored the aircraft and high-tech flight simulators used to train future test pilots.
At the facility, CEO Dr. David “Jester” Smith met with students individually, asking about their current and future goals in an interactive session that encouraged students to think about their next steps. Students also learned that the Mojave Air and Space Port supports more than 3,000 jobs across multiple aerospace and technolgoy companies, highlighting the region’s role as a hub for innovation. They also received a detailed presentation about the National Test Pilot School, further expanding their understanding of career pathways in aviation.
“Amazing and inspiring experience!” exclaimed senior Elishua Flowers. “I learned quite a bit about several pathways that I can pursue in the near future. The people who explained what they do around the facility or for their company were very open to questions and were excited to have us there.”
The trip reflects the broader goal of the Aero-Flex program: to bridge the gap between high school and the workforce by giving students both the technical training and professional skills needed to succeed. Students who complete all program components can earn industry-recognized certificates and a stipend funded through the grant supporting the initiative. Whether the experience will be offered again next year depends on continued grant funding.
“I’m not sure about next year,” said Cope. “We have a grant this year for the pre-apprenticeship program. If we get the grant again, a field trip is part of the program. If I have the opportunity to take students on the trip again, I would.”
