Challenger Intermediate School

In early October, sixth-grade students from Challenger Intermediate School had the exciting opportunity to step inside the world of aviation during Textron Aviation’s annual Manufacturing Day in Wichita. The event offered a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s largest and most innovative employers, giving students a firsthand glimpse into the world of advanced manufacturing, engineering, and design. For many, it was their first experience inside a real production facility, and it left a lasting impression.

This year’s Manufacturing Day featured a new interactive component: every student was given a list of thoughtful questions to ask the Textron Aviation team members they met throughout the day. These prompts encouraged students to engage in meaningful conversations, asking questions like, “What skills are most important when applying for a job?” or “What do you love most about what you do?” The goal was to help students not only learn about the company’s operations but also about the personal qualities and soft skills that lead to success in the workplace.

“This experience helps connect what we teach in the classroom to the real world,” said Pam Cole, Project Lead the Way teacher at Challenger Intermediate School and coordinator of the trip. “When students can see how problem-solving, teamwork, and communication play out in a professional setting, it makes their learning come alive. My hope is that experiences like this plant seeds of curiosity, that they begin to see themselves in future careers they might not have imagined before.”

Students returned from the day full of excitement and new ideas. “I thought it was really cool how many different people work together to build an airplane,” said sixth-grader Reese Museousky. “It made me realize that every job is important, even the ones you don’t always see.” Another student, Trinity Wallace, shared, “I liked getting to ask people what they love about their jobs. They were so happy to tell us, and it made me want to find a job someday that I can love that much too.”

The visit highlighted the power of community partnerships and the importance of real-world learning experiences. By engaging with professionals who are passionate about their work, Challenger students gained not only a deeper understanding of the aviation industry but also valuable lessons about perseverance, curiosity, and collaboration. Textron Aviation’s Manufacturing Day continues to demonstrate how connecting schools and local industries can inspire the next generation of innovators, helping students see that the sky truly is the limit.