2026 SOAR Into STEM Spring Session Concludes with Career Fair and Young Eagle Flights

Wings of Hope 

By Carmelo Turdo

hosted their Aviation Career Exploration Fair and EAA Young Eagle flights on Saturday morning to close out the 2026 Spring SOAR Into STEM Session. While some students were taking their flights, others met directly with representatives from higher education institutions, aviation industry employers and youth development organizations who are working together to address the current aerospace industry workforce shortage. The Aero Experience begins our coverage with this look at the exhibitors interacting with the students and parents during the career fair.

The students were scheduled for EAA Young Eagle flights throughout the morning courtesy of EAA Chapter 1675 based at Wings of Hope. The students received their logbooks and flew in aircraft provided by EAA volunteer pilots. For most, it was their first flight in a general aviation aircraft!

Two special aircraft were displayed outside of the Wings of Hope hangar. The Missouri Highway Patrol Bell 407 air support helicopter and AeroCareers Lancair Columbia, The New Spirit of St. Louis, were flown in especially for this event. Everyone in attendance, including SOAR Into STEM volunteers and career fair exhibitors, were invited to get their photos taken inside the aircraft and learn more about these two great organizations. 

The Aero Experience thanks Wings of Hope and all of the participants and sponsors of SOAR Into STEM for providing another highly successful spring session. SOAR Into STEM will be held again this fall at Wings of Hope.