UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (UTX), is a lead sponsor of AirSpace Minnesota’s new Aviation Learning Center (ALC), and the sole sponsor of the ALC wind tunnel. The company donated $25,000 to the project as part of its ongoing efforts to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The donation was presented to Kristi Rollag Wangstad, president of AirSpace Minnesota, by Mark Skarohlid, general manager at UTC Aerospace Systems’ Sensors and Integrated Systems business in Burnsville, Minn.
The ALC is expected to open in 2015. As one of the educational hands-on tools in the ALC, the wind tunnel will teach students the basic concepts of aerodynamics. Skarohlid, who also serves on the AirSpace Minnesota board of directors said, “The Sensors and Integrated Systems business is known for cutting edge technology in aerodynamic sensing, and this sponsorship is a natural fit. We look forward to furthering STEM education for the thousands of people who will visit the ALC in the future.”
UTC Aerospace Systems currently operates eight active wind tunnels at its Burnsville facility to support a range of commercial and military aircraft programs for customers around the world. The company is also well-known for its support of STEM education, including activities such as judging local and state robotics competitions at both the high school and collegiate level, supporting the Society of Women Engineers, annual sponsorship of the FOX9 Girls & Science event, and actively supporting school career fairs.
AirSpace Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to chronicle Minnesota’s aerospace and aviation legacy, and help students discover the creativity and value of skills and careers involving science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Learn more at www.airspacemn.org.
UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.
United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries.
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