The Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center enthusiastically participated in the 2023 "Innovation Week", hosted by the Oklahoma City Innovation District from September 19^th to 21^st. The event commenced with an exclusive evening dedicated to educators and school staff who were participating in Innovation Week. This gathering provided educators with a valuable opportunity to interact with representatives from various companies attending the event. They gathered insights and information that they could later impart to their students, illuminating a range of career possibilities.

Over the course of three days, almost 700 eager middle school students (from the Oklahoma City Public School System) representing diverse backgrounds including Hispanic, African American, and Native American ethnicities discovered inspiration for their future careers. More than 20 organizations actively engaged in this event, collectively aiming to inspire and nurture the next generation of innovators. The students immersed themselves in hands-on activities centered around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). They had the unique opportunity to have direct conversations with industry professionals, gaining invaluable insights into various STEM-based careers.

At the heart of the event, the Aeronautical Center took the spotlight for the second year in a row, showcasing an impressive array of flight simulators, air traffic control tower simulators, virtual reality training equipment, interactive green screen technology for video production/character animation, and even aviation toxicology demonstrations, capturing the students’ imaginations. The FAA Academy, Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI), and Enterprise Services Center (ESC) provided strong support by contributing over 40 STEM Outreach Representatives to the event. Their presence played a crucial role in guiding and inspiring the youth of Oklahoma City, introducing them to promising careers in the vast world of STEM.