‘Aerospace Jam’ event with Milwaukee Bucks  to connect top STEM students with aerospace industry
Students from more than 28 schools around the state will have an opportunity to meet with leading companies to learn about career opportunities.

MADISON, WI. Sept. 25, 2018 – More than 300 of the state’s top science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students will engage with companies in Wisconsin’s growing aerospace industry during the second annual Milwaukee Bucks Aerospace Jam event Oct. 27 at Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee.

The Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Gulfstream and the Wisconsin Aerospace Partners are teaming up with the Milwaukee Bucks to host the event, which will take place prior to the Bucks game on Oct. 27. Attendees will receive free admission to the Aerospace Jam and the Milwaukee Bucks game that evening.

During Aerospace Jam, students from more than 28 colleges and universities from around the state will have the opportunity to meet with some of the more than 300 Wisconsin companies that serve the aerospace industry. High school students also will meet with representatives of public and private colleges and universities to learn more about career opportunities in the aerospace industry.

The event will include informational tables featuring aerospace companies and colleges, as well as presentations and panel discussions by industry leaders.

The event will give college students an opportunity to interact with aerospace companies that may be hiring individuals with STEM degrees, while high school students will be able to research colleges offering degrees in STEM-related disciplines.

“Through the continued efforts of state government, private companies, universities and industry associations, Wisconsin remains committed to strengthening the aviation and aerospace industry in the Badger State,” said Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, who will be speaking at the event and interacting with students. “With over 300 Wisconsin companies active in this industry, Aerospace Jam is a prime opportunity for the next generation of young people who want to pursue careers in STEM-related fields.”

“Wisconsin is the launch pad for over 9,000 STEM graduates each year. Our imperative is to keep this great resource of innovation and technical creativity in the state, helping to build our aerospace industry,” said Kevin Crosby, director of the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium. “Aerospace Jam is a nexus event for these students and their future employers. The vitality of the Wisconsin aerospace economy is fully on display in this accessible and exciting forum.”

“Collaboration among organizations supporting this event demonstrates a collective commitment to identify and help fill the talent gap that currently exists within our significant aerospace cluster,” said John Tackis, director of Wisconsin Aerospace Partners. “This is also part of our continued effort to ensure aerospace is recognized as a priority and a rapidly growing industry in Wisconsin.”

“We are thrilled to bring Aerospace Jam to the world-class Fiserv Forum,” added Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin. “This is an important event that exposes so many bright STEM students to the growing aerospace industry in Wisconsin. We look forward to a great day on Oct. 27.”

The event is one of several initiatives underway to support Wisconsin’s growing aviation and aerospace industry, which employs more than 24,000 people and generates nearly $7 billion in annual economic activity. Wisconsin has more than 300 companies with ties to the aerospace sector, including more than 140 suppliers to Boeing. From 2001 to 2011, the number of jobs in aerospace parts and product manufacturing in Wisconsin increased almost 57 percent.

The Wisconsin Aerospace Partners support organizations engaged with the aerospace industry in Wisconsin by establishing a strong network and support system designed to grow the economic vitality of the state’s aerospace industry.

The NASA Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium, based at Carthage College in Kenosha, is a part of the national network of Space Grant Consortia funded by NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. Congress established the program in 1988 to contribute to the nation’s scientific enterprise by funding research, education, and public service projects through a national network of 52 university-based Space Grant consortia.

Lt. Governor Kleefisch serves as chair of the Aerospace States Association (ASA), an organization of lieutenant governors and state-appointed delegates dedicated to advancing the economic interests in the aerospace industry. ASA was formed to promote a state-based perspective in federal aerospace policy development and support state aerospace initiatives that enhance student/teacher education outreach and economic development opportunities.

For more information about the Aerospace Jam, contact Philip Fisher of the Milwaukee Bucks at 414.908.3754 or [email protected].

To register for the event visit https://bucks.formstack.com/forms/aerospace_jam_1819.

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