The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Space classes are in the stars
Agroup behind plans for a space centre in Kinross has been awarded funding to boost its education work.
The Aero Space Scientific Educational Trust (Asset) received £10,000 from the Gannochy Trust to help it provide workshops, talks and volunteering opportunities over the next three years.
Asset will use the money in its programmes with schools , youth organisations and local youngsters, including those in marginalised groups.
The group hopes to inspire young people to consider a career in space and aviation while it works towards its long-term goal of creating a flight-themed space centre to be known as Aero Space Kinross.
Asset chairman Alisdair Stewart said the funding was extremely welcome. He said: “We were over the moon when we received the news, as the hiatus caused by lockdown has been very challenging.”
The intention is to run stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) workshops and events, engaging with people aged 18 and under in the area.
These will be delivered remotely for the time being.
Mr Stewart said: “It will give young people a highly interactive, valuable, firsthand experience of science in action to forge the seeds of ambition in their future career choices.
“We will reach out to those with additional support needs such as autism and to marginalised groups including the Travelling community.”
Youngsters will be able to volunteer with Asset under the Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award scheme. Other opportunities will include roadshows with the Cosmos Planetarium , led by astronomers Steven Gray and James Green.
Tailored sessions will be put on for young carers and those with additional support needs.
Meanwhile, the Sandy Gunn Aerospace Careers Programme, named after an Auchterarder RAF pilot, will run presentations on engineering, with information on career opportunities in the field.
Gannochy Trust chief executive Joanna M cC readies aid :“We are delighted to be supporting Asset’s stem outreach activity which will help ignite young people’s imagination and interest in the aerospace industry, through engaging training and education programmes.”