Over the past two weeks, the West Michigan Regional Airport had the privilege of being an ambassador for iChallengeU, the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District’s (OAISD) FuturePREP’d initiative. The two-week program connected 9th-12th grade students with businesses in the community, like WMRA, and offered real-world work experience and college scholarship opportunities.
Students spent time at the airport working to solve a business challenge based on one question: How can WMRA engage community members to feel connected to the benefits of having a local airport?
At the end of the two weeks, students presented their solution to airport staff and other participating groups in the area. Watch the presentation below:
Throughout the internship, students developed their skills in design thinking, communication, collaboration and critical thinking. Programs like iChallengeU are a great chance for local students to network with local businesses and deepen their understanding of their own strengths and career aspirations.
We deeply value our partnerships with the OAISD and other local schools, and are grateful for the opportunity to showcase the airport and the world of aviation to our community.
If your student is interested in aviation, we encourage you to check whether their school has a partnership with the airport.
