AITE Students Prepare to Soar to New Heights and are Looking for Mentors to Guide the Way

Stamford Public Schools' STEAM focus inter-district high school, the Academy of Information Technology & Engineering (AITE), is launching an extraordinary year-long program: Tango Flight! This STEM-based aviation initiative will offer approximately 20 motivated high school juniors and seniors the incredible opportunity to build a fully operational, FAA-inspected aircraft from the ground up.  The year-long course will launch in September 2025 and is being led by Vincent Urbanowski, a former Stamford Teacher of the Year (TOY), a semifinalist for Connecticut TOY and AITE math & aerospace engineering teacher. 

To make this ambitious program a soaring success, we are seeking passionate and experienced adult volunteers and mentors. Do you possess a love of making things with your hands, and a strong interest in aviation? Do you have a familiarity with, or a curiosity about aircraft mechanics, avionics, engineering, project management and FAA regulations? This is your chance to directly inspire the next generation of innovators and share your skills in a truly unique and impactful way.

Tango Flight provides students with an immersive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) experience by guiding them through the construction of the Vans RV-12iS, a two-seat, single-engine aircraft. Students also learn about aviation and aerospace engineering and can even earn college credit. With hundreds of these planes already completed nationwide, the project is both authentic and impactful and gives students real-world engineering experience and exposure to career pathways in aviation and aerospace.

AITE was selected by Tango Flight for its strong STEM focus and the enthusiastic support of its Principal and the Stamford Board of Education. “Despite the current economic uncertainty in our economy, we believe aviation will continue to offer high-paying jobs and endless opportunity for the next generation right here in Connecticut,” said Dan Weyant, President and Co-founder of Tango Flight. 

Dr. Lori Rhodes, Associate Superintendent of Secondary Schools, praised the initiative: “When this opportunity was brought to us, we knew we had to jump on it. Imagine--the chance for our STEM students to build an actual airplane while at AITE. The knowledge and experience this will bring to our students is invaluable."

“Tango Flight is more than just a STEM program,” said Tina Rivera, Principal of AITE. “It’s a chance for students to apply what they’re learning in a meaningful, real-world project while forming connections with industry professionals who can help shape their futures.” 

Interested in supporting this innovative program? Volunteer commitments can range from just 2 hours a week to more regular involvement. No teaching experience is necessary, just a willingness to guide and inspire the next generation. Learn more and express your interest by contacting Vincent Urbanowski at vurbanowski@stamfordpublicschools.org. 

Help us launch this groundbreaking program and empower our students to reach new heights!

 

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