SIOUX FALLS, S.D., (April 19, 2016) — Raven Industries (NASDAQ:RAVN) hosted the first annual Raven Aerostar Balloon Day on April 5, 2016 in Sioux Falls, S.D. The event provided South Dakota students the opportunity to witness stratospheric balloon technology and manufacturing, and participate in hands-on workshops dedicated to exposing students to the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the lighter-than-air industry. Raven Aerostar Balloon Day was made possible through a Project Innovation Grant from The South Dakota Space Grant Consortium and Raven’s commitment to supporting STEM education.
Over 130 students from the Sioux Falls, Baltic and Brandon school districts participated in Raven Aerostar Balloon Day. The event showcased the Company’s lighter-than-air products and developments, including Raven’s advanced Super Pressure Balloon technology. This ground-breaking technology is providing new situational awareness capabilities through controlled balloon flight in the stratosphere.
“The Raven Aerostar Balloon Day experience was a very powerful experience for not only me as a teacher, but for our students as well,” commented Matt Mueller, Brandon Valley Intermediate School SmartLab Facilitator. “We could not stop talking about everything we learned on the drive home that day. When your conversation with your students involves them talking about what they learned and how this is what they want to do when they grow up, you know it was an impactful learning experience.”
Raven Aerostar is a world leader in the design and manufacture of high altitude balloons for near space applications and has a distinguished history of collaborating with university, scientific, commercial and governmental partners.
Raven Aerostar is the NASA Balloon Program’s sole balloon provider — a relationship that has held strong for more than 20 years. In addition, Raven is Google’s balloon partner for Project Loon, a project designed to provide internet connectivity to millions using a network of balloons carrying LTE technology.
“Raven Aerostar is proud to be an affiliate member of the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium,” said Scott Wickersham, Raven Aerostar General Manager. “STEM education is important to Raven and is a genuine passion for many of our team members. We were intentional in selecting team members for the event so they could share with students what they do at Raven, experiences in lighter-than-air and aerospace markets, and the impact STEM has had on their careers. We would like to thank all that attended, and we look forward to hosting this event in the future.”
About Raven Industries, Inc.
Since 1956, Raven Industries has designed and manufactured high quality, high-value technical products. Raven is publicly traded on NASDAQ (RAVN) and has earned an international reputation for innovation, product quality, high performance, and unmatched service. Raven realizes its vision by developing innovative solutions to great challenges related to the markets we understand and serve. Today, those solutions are focused on feeding and connecting the growing world population, preserving natural resources, and answering the growing need for security. Utilizing our strength in engineering, manufacturing, and technological innovation, Raven is a leader in precision agriculture, high performance specialty films, and situational awareness markets. Visit www.ravenind.com for more information.
About Raven Aerostar
Raven Aerostar consists of wholly owned subsidiaries Aerostar International, Inc. and Vista Research, Inc. Raven Aerostar is dedicated to protecting and connecting the world through aerospace platforms, surveillance technology, and specialty sewn products. The company’s highly technical product lines include smart sensor radar systems, tethered aerostats, high-altitude balloons, inflatable military decoys, protective wear, and parachutes. Visit www.ravenaerostar.com for more information.
Contact Information
Abby O’Hara
Raven Aerostar
+1 (605) 731-0981
abby.ohara@ravenind.com
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