Tanaka Chonyera has launched a free rocket boot camp for kids in Marion County, Indiana, through the Minority Engineering Program of Indianapolis. He pitched the idea to the nonprofit’s board, which supported it with grant funding so students can participate at no cost. The program allows children to build and launch their own rockets while learning hands-on engineering skills.
Chonyera’s interest in rocketry began in high school in Botswana, where he proposed building a rocket for a STEM competition despite limited resources and doubts from others. He later won an essay competition about satellites, which earned him a trip to French Guiana to watch a rocket launch. He says that experience cemented his passion for space.
Through the boot camp, students focus on safety, teamwork, and creativity, including designing unique paint styles for their rockets. Chonyera says he hopes to see 1,000 rockets launched from Indianapolis by the end of the year and is currently at about 80 participants. Families can contact the Minority Engineering Program of Indianapolis or reach out to Chonyera through social media to join the free program.
Source: WTHR
Photo: Christopher Sardegna / 500Px Plus / Getty Images