Governor Kaine Announces Participation of Virginia Students in the 'U.S. Department of Energy's Real World Design Challenge'

Press Release

Governor Kaine Announces Participation of Virginia Students in the 'U.S. Department of Energy's Real World Design Challenge'

RICHMOND-Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced Virginia's participation in the "Real World Design Challenge" sponsored by the US Department of Energy.The competition will give teams of students an opportunity to develop more fuel efficient aircraft.The competition will be statewide and is open for any High School in the Commonwealth to participate. The winning design may be put to use by the aviation industry.

"I encourage Virginia students and teachers to participate in this great opportunity. The Design Challenge will not only help students better prepare for the working world, but will give students an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and innovation," Governor Kaine said. "This partnership is another way of motivating students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields and to acquire the critical knowledge, skills, and credentials to prepare them for high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage careers in Virginia."

Participating teams will be able to seek advice online from scientists, engineers and aviation/aerospace experts, from the Department of Energy National Laboratories, the Federal Aviation Administration Centers, higher education, and industry.

"The FAA recognizes the importance of supporting our next generation of aerospace engineers and we are honored to have the opportunity to participate in this unique and exciting challenge," said Fran Favara, Director, FAA Engine and Propeller Directorate.

Participants in the challenge will be provided with the latest engineering software from Parametric Technology Corporation and Mentor Graphics, Mechanical Analysis Division (formerly Flomerics) at no cost. A two day training course is required by teachers who wish to take advantage of the free software.

"The workforce crisis cuts across all sectors of our industry and affects every member company," Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Marion Blakey said. "With a growing percentage of aerospace workers eligible to retire, AIA is committed to working with our partners to fill the workforce pipeline with talent for all critical U.S. industries."

Hewlett Packard is donating the servers that will enable the students and teachers to collaborate with mentors. The U.S Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee will host the servers and the collaboration software.

"We are pleased to include PTC as a founding sponsor of the Real World Design Challenge," said Bill Valdez, director of the U.S Department of Energy's Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Students. "The Real World Design Challenge is a prime example of how the government, private industry, and our educational system can work together to keep our workforce the best in the world."

Governor Kaine will announce winners of the statewide competition in early 2009. The winning Virginia team will go on to compete against other state teams.

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