The Aerospace Center for Excellence is excited to announce the re-imagination of Project STRATOS: an aviation leadership and art competition. Project STRATOS finalist will continue to receive prizes and recognition associated with the 2022 SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-in. New this year, competitors will be provided the opportunity to participate in (1) Pathways to Aviation Career readiness program (2) Competitive Athletic Competition, (3) writing an essay, and/or (4) creating a unique work of art that fits the theme: “Aviation Safety”
The program is open to high school juniors and seniors. Students are asked to participate in as many of the proposed programs as possible. Finalist may be drawn from any of the program components. Any student interested in participating shall submit an email to
Stratos@flysnf.org by January 18, 2022. Juniors and Seniors will both be eligible for the finalist awards listed in this announcement (2022 Only).
Component 1: Pathways to Aviation. Students will need to sign up for Pathways to Aviation and become career-ready. This process can take any time from 3 days to a week long. You will receive a certificate of completion after you become career-ready. The certificate is the proof you completed Component 1. You will need to email this to Stratos@flysnf.org turn it into the A.C.E. front desk by February 17th, 2022.
Component 2: Team Building. Students will take part in this exercise as a duo. To qualify under this component, the student must participate in one race session. They may do over as many times as they want, but there will only be one ultimate time. The goal of participating in the race sessions is not an athletic accomplishment, but the goal is to evaluate and develop team leadership attributes. All sessions will meet at the C-47 on the ACE Campus. RSVP is encouraged, but not required.
Component 3: Write a 500-word essay on the following topic: “Aviation Safety” The essay may be fiction or non-fiction (biographical or autobiographical). The essay must be completed and submitted to Stratos@flysnf.org by February 17, 2022.
Component 4: Create a unique work of art that fits the theme: “Aviation Safety” The work of art may be in any media. Works of art should be submitted to the A.C.E. Building front desk by February 17, 2022.
Candidates may be interviewed to narrow the finalist and pool. There will only be 10 finalists this year!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Students wishing to participate in Project Stratos must be available the week of April 5-10. No housing or accommodation or transportation is provided. Project Stratos winners are expected to participate in the 2022 SUN ‘n FUN Fly-in, as well.
Rewards for finalists
- Possibility of a flight with one of the airshow performers
- Sony Camera with Memory Card
- Two (2) Free week-long passes to SUN ‘n FUN 2022
- Meet and greet / photo opportunity with aerospace industry leaders
- Project STRATOS polo shirt and T-Shirt
- SUN ‘n FUN Key Chain
- Interviews on Florida Aviation Network and SUN ‘n FUN Radio
- Other Aviation/Stem related events
Project Dates:
- January 3: Project released via media outlets
- January 21: Email indicating intent to participate, including school photo (or recent photo) and shirt size.
- February 4-5: Fun Run.
- February 17: Art project, Pathways to Aviation, and essay due.
- February 24: Finalists Announced
