New Comers
Box 40, St. Peters, MO 63376
YES Program Update
YES, IT'S AN UPDATE. More accurately, it's an update on YES, the Youth Education Stipend program, one of the projects instituted for 1996. Through this activity, AMA-chartered clubs were able to apply for grants to provide funds for youth-related projects. Five clubs took advantage of the program, which enabled them to use monies dispersed by AMA to institute new programs and expand programs already in existence.
The types of programs involved range from uses of modeling as an educational tool in the established school curriculum to actual instruction in building and flying models. A letter from Michael Black, one of the recipients, provides insight into one of the projects:
"Please find enclosed original receipts from Tower Hobbies and a copy of a receipt from Allied Hobbies in the amount of $508.06. This should fulfill my responsibility to AMA for the $500 grant. The only thing left to buy is fuel.
"The Allied receipt is a copy, because I sent the original in for a rebate from X-Acto. I want to thank you and the AMA again for your generous contribution to our program.
"As noted in a previous letter and pictures, the clubs went well last year. The students enjoyed reading about themselves in Model Aviation both times. Eight sixth- and seventh-grade students chose to join the club again this year. Many moved on to high school.
"They began building the Goldberg Eagle II kit and flightline box on October 10. Today they completed gluing the horizontal stabilizer and the outside of the flight box. They are doing a fabulous job, especially in light of the fact that they are 12 and 13 years old.
"We started videotaping in the beginning and hope to continue as the work progresses. Twenty-five students (boys and, yes, girls) began in the first level club on October 10.
"I approached our Superintendent of Schools today about the use of our administration building gymnasium for an indoor fun-fly. He was receptive and I will move forward with plans. He has been very supportive of our program. He has personally attended all trips to our flying fields with the students. This would be a combined event.
"Members of the Propstoppers (AMA #1042) would compete in several events, and members of my two clubs and of two science classes from our neighboring Prospect Park School would compete in several events. We may also try to arrange a crossover event. In this event, all entrants (both students and Propstoppers) would purchase the same balsa fuselage and paper wing kit. I'm sure some of the kids will be very competitive.
"You may also be interested in the fact that I have been contacted by several members who read the article in Model Aviation. I provided them with copies of my plans and other information.
"I plan to apply to the AMA for an additional grant to build an electric plane with my advanced group next year. This will enable more children to participate and fly. I will be in touch soon with plans."
The rapport you create with groups within your community can be of great importance.
Mr. Black has created a program that combines qualities each of us hopes to obtain. The youth are at an excellent age for instruction, are enthusiastic, and impressionable.
The program is working within the school setting, with district cooperation. A most important factor is that it incorporates actual building and flying, not just demonstration. Other key factors in making the program work include Mr. Black's enthusiasm and dedication. When you speak with him, you realize that the adults involved benefit from the program as well.
During the last year, AMA awarded $2,500 in YES grants. Additional monies were available; however, other clubs failed to step forward to attempt to qualify for an award. As we move into 1997, perhaps you and your club would be willing to join in this education process. The rewards for aeromodeling in general, and for you and your club specifically, are significant.
Youth Educational Stipend (YES) — Fund and Guidelines
Moved: That a fund be created called Youth Educational Stipend (YES) designed to provide monies to AMA-chartered clubs or chapters for youth programs. These programs are to be developed and implemented by the clubs/chapters working in conjunction with educational institutions or community agencies for the instruction of youth in aeromodeling.
The monies placed in this fund shall be obtained from donations and through general AMA revenue. Beginning in 1996, the general revenue portion added to the fund each year shall equal $0.04 per Open paid AMA member, utilizing the previous year's membership numbers. Monies not disbursed during any given year will be retained in the fund for future distribution.
The following guidelines shall be used for the disbursement of monies from the YES fund:
- Application may be made by the officers of an AMA-chartered club or chapter at any time during the year.
- The application must include the following minimum information:
A. Name and charter club/chapter number B. Signatures of current club/chapter officers C. Program name D. Name of educational institution or community agency involved E. Complete outline/syllabus of the program F. Amount of funds requested
- The syllabus should include the following minimum information:
A. Desired goals for the program B. Time frame for instruction C. Materials to be used D. Instructional techniques E. Details of culminating activity, if any F. Any plans for continuing student contact, if any
Each club/chapter may apply for grants in two successive years. The requests will be screened by an Educational Committee composed of the AMA Educational Director, one Executive Council member, and a member-at-large. Grants up to $1,000 may be awarded for each of two successive years. Intent to maintain the program for a second year and a request for second year's funding is required. Renewal of the grant beyond a two-year period or at a future date may be considered through Executive Council action.
Each club/chapter awarded a grant must agree to the following:
A. To provide a minimum of two reports about the activity status during and at the conclusion of the program. A photographic record is encouraged. B. To provide a general accounting of the manner in which the funds were expended. C. To retain any equipment purchased with the funds as property of the club/chapter. D. To allow the AMA to distribute and/or promote the program information through its membership service.
Existing Programs / Contacts
- 7-12 Model Aviation Youth Academy (MAYA): A highly developed credit course for high-schoolers. Lots of math and science. High interest level. Develops team concept. Contact: Charles Kelley, 151 Scott St., Long Beach, CA 90895.
- Model Building 101: Three-stage program for upper-elementary, starting with a simple rubber-powered model and progressing. Video and materials available. Contact: MB 101, Inc., J.J. Levine, 1891 Branchview Dr., Marietta, GA 30062.
- MMAC Youth Outreach Program: Several-stage program for upper-elementary and scout groups. Rubber-powered and beyond. Contact: Minneapolis Model Aero Club, Jim Ladwig, 5534 Newton Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55419.
- School Flight Program: Third-grade one-hour program detailing how aircraft fly and the history of flight. Flight demo can be incorporated. Contact: Westminster Aero Modelers, Raymond A. Miles, Jr., 6761 Marvin Ave., Sykesville, MD 21784.
- Aerolab: Semester-long series of 12 to 15 after-school model-building sessions. Includes kites, paper airplanes, Delta Dart, and beyond. Contact: Northeastern Drone Society, Gordon Schimmel, 62 Charles Lane, Mansfield, CT 06268.
- Flying Physics: Projects for middle school science. Incorporates sturdy rubber-powered "Sioux-Z-Q." School unit plans available. Contact: Rocco Ferrario, 2063 Lone Oak Ave., Napa, CA 94558.
- Midwest Products Company, Inc.: Highly structured model-building program with teaching guides and materials available. Programs available for various age levels. Contact: Tom Sanders, Box 564, Hobart, IN 46342.
- EAA Aviation Foundation, Inc.: Programs designed to interest youth in full-scale aircraft. Range from "Young Eagles" programs to summer youth camps. Contact: EAA Aviation Center, Chuck Larsen, Box 3065, Oshkosh, WI 54903.
- Technology Student Association: Nationwide student group which incorporates a model-building project. Contact: Tom Sanders, Box 564, Hobart, IN 46342 (serving as modeling advisor).
- 4-H Aerospace Design: Extremely comprehensive program under development. Will include all phases of aerospace interest for K–12. Model-building is a part. Contact: University of Minnesota, Center for 4-H Youth Development, Judy Rice, 340 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.
- Norwood Aeronautics Club: Sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students with building and flying program utilizing a variety of models. Contact: Michael Black, 110 Poplar Walk, Ridley Park, PA 19078.
Contact
For information on AMA involvement in programs or youth funding, or to submit your program, contact: Bob Underwood, Education Director Box 40, St. Peters, MO 63376 Tel.: (314) 447-4235
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
