FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Janesville, WI – Nearly 400 middle school students from Janesville, Beloit, and Saint John Vianney in Janesville got an up‑close look at aviation, technology, and local career paths during the Pistons & Props STEAM Day on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Hosted at Meisner Aircraft at Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport and Blackhawk Technical College, the program connected classroom learning with real‑world applications in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Students participated in two complementary experiences: a structured STEAM and career‑focused program at Blackhawk Technical College, and a hands‑on experiences at Meisner Aircraft on the airport field.
The Pistons & Props STEAM Day was made possible through local non profit Propel Forward and the generous support of Corporate Contractors Inc. (CCI), returning as STEAM Day sponsor, Airshow Title Sponsor and Kids Area Sponsor of the 2026 Pistons & Props Airshow, along with the partnership of Blackhawk Technical College, Meisner Aircraft, Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, and a wide range of community and industry partners.
At the airport, students rotated in free‑choice blocks through approximately 18 booths and displays, encouraged to visit each station and engage for several minutes at a time. Educational partners and displays at the airport included:
- Corporate Contractors Inc. (CCI) – Connecting modern construction, trades, and community infrastructure
- Propel Forward, Inc. – STEAM Day / Airshow host and aviation education nonprofit
- AIAA, Women in Aviation / BOA, and the 99s – Aviation careers, mentorship, and pathways
- Kelch Aviation Museum – Historic aircraft and aviation heritage
- Civil Air Patrol and Students in Aviation – Youth leadership and aerospace education
- Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport ARFF – Firefighting equipment and airfield safety
- EAA – Brodhead Chapter and Commemorative Air Force Wisconsin Wing – Aircraft displays and pilot engagement
- Additional partners including GP Raptor Education, TDS, FB Wellness, Emersion Orchestra, and UW Medflight Helicopter
Students from Edison, Franklin, Marshall, Aldrich, Fruzen, and Saint John Vianney participated in morning and afternoon sessions, with buses rotating between Blackhawk Technical College and the airport so that each group experienced both locations.
“STEAM Day is designed to spark curiosity and get kids hands‑on,” said Joshua Gowey, Event Director for Pistons & Props and Executive Director of Propel Forward, Inc. “By putting students in front of real aircraft, professionals, and equipment, we’re helping them imagine themselves in these much needed careers—whether that’s aviation, construction, emergency services, engineering, or the arts.”
Professional photographs documented the afternoon session and will be made available to participating schools and partners.
About the Hosts:
Pistons & Props
Pistons & Props STEAM day and upcoming Airshow is produced by Propel Forward Inc., a Janesville‑based nonprofit focused on community advancement, youth STEAM education, and honoring veterans through outreach.
Looking ahead, Pistons & Props returns for its 3rd year, now as a full airshow, August 28–30, 2026 at Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport. This will be the first time in nearly 14 years that Southern Wisconsin has hosted a full airshow. More information and updates are available at www.pistonsprops.com.
Blackhawk Technical College, one of 16 colleges under the Wisconsin Technical College System, serves students and employers in Rock and Green counties with campuses in Janesville and Monroe, Wisconsin. The College has more than 6,000 credit and noncredit students enrolled in more than 70 programs. Based in Janesville, Wisconsin, it has provided education and training to area students and employers since 1912. Find out more at blackhawk.edu.
