Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 9 am – 3 pm
Colorado School of Mines

What is the Pathfinder ConferEnce?

The Pathfinder Conference is a one-day aerospace conference that will include a variety of activities designed to inform and inspire high school and community college students from historically underrepresented groups to pursue careers in aerospace.

Activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Opportunities to learn about alternative careers to aerospace
  • Hands-on demonstrations with Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, and more!
  • Networking with students and aerospace professionals
  • Exhibit Hall with local aerospace companies including Lunar Outpost, United Launch Alliance, Lockheed Martin, and more!

 

EVENT Schedule

8:30 - 9:00 am

Check-In

9:00 - 9:30 am

Welcome with Dr. Angel Abbud- Madrid

9:40 - 10:40 am

Career Panel 1: Aerospace degree not required

10:50 - 11:50 am

Career Panel 2: Four-year degree not required

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Exhibit Hall open

12:30 pm

Lunch available

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

Financial Aid session

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Closing speaker

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Raffle and photos

3:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Optional campus tour

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Our mission is to increase the participation and retention of students from underrepresented groups in aerospace through networking, mentorship, and early access to college and career prep.

Increase the participation and retention of underrepresented groups in aerospace.

Foster communication between prospective aerospace students and industry professionals.

Build a community of like-minded students through shared experiences.

FAQs

What is an underrepresented group?

According to the National Science Foundation, “women, persons with disabilities, and three racial and ethnic groups—blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians or Alaska Natives” are underrepresented in science and engineering.

Other groups in the United States that have been marginalized and are currently underrepresented may include but are not limited to:

  • Other ethnicities
  • Adult learners
  • Veterans
  • People with disabilities
  • Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals
  • Different religious groups, and
  • Different economic backgrounds
AM I REQUIRED TO BE IN AN UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENT GROUP TO PARTICIPATE?

No, all high-school and community college students in underrepresented groups and allies may participate at this time. An ally in this context is a person who does not fall within any of the aforementioned underrepresented groups, but seeks to create inclusive spaces for those who do.

Who can participate?

The event is open to high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and community college students.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?

Thanks to our amazing sponsors, the event is free to all participating students. We only ask that you commit to being present and participating in the entire event.

Contact Us