A unique educational experience designed to introduce high school students to aviation and science careers will be held during the week of the Central Coast AirFest in October at the Santa Maria Airport.  
             On Wednesday, October 15, Skyward Bound will host a seminar aimed, “to ignite curiosity and passion for aerospace, instill confidence in pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and related careers,” according to Allie Mount, Director of Flight Operations at the Planes of Fame Museum.      
Those participating include the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation, which supplies modern fighter and attack aircraft for World War II, Korea and Vietnam era warbirds at air shows throughout the United States. Aviation professionals will discuss mechanics with students who can also explore the inside of different aircrafts.
          Project Recover will discuss underwater missions to recover items from missing in action airmen and women. “The objective is reuniting those items, for instance dog tags and serial badges, to families,” explains Mount.  
         She says there will be an underwater robot on display. 
         “It’s a three-hour program to help students understand how many opportunities there are in aviation and supporting industries,” she says.  
         Major Melanie “Mach” Kleusner, a USAF F-35 demonstration leader will be the featured pilot at Skyward Bound and the Central Coast AirFest. The F-35 she flies will be on the ramp and students will be able to ask her questions and tour the aircraft.  
         Major Kleusner has the Air Force in her DNA. Her dad was an F-16 pilot, her mom was a KC-135 pilot; her uncle flew C-130s. Her grandparents were a nurse and aircraft mechanic for the Air Force. “My husband’s grandfather flew F-4 Phantoms in Vietnam and has the most incredible war stories,” she says.   
When asked what she would like to pass along to aspiring aviators, she said, “Never close any doors. Growing up, I always tried to pick the most difficult thing I could do because that was going to give me the most opportunities.”  
         When asked what her favorite aviation movie is, Klousner says, “Top Gun: Maverick because the female fighter pilot “Phoenix” was well portrayed. I was stoked about that.”    
Mount says students can register to attend Skyward Bound at  centralcoastairfest.com/skywardbound. “Each student is placed in an AM or PM session whichever they prefer.” Students can also register through Righetti or Orcutt Academy High Schools.    
         “We are hoping to expose students to areas they may not know are available. We are hoping students find something new and exciting.  That’s what Skyward Bound is all about.”   
                                                                                                                                                     Steve Southwick reporting