At Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANoPS), we’re dedicated to preparing our students for the future by offering them more than just traditional classroom education. Career Academy High School shapes the future of South Bend innovators to focus on hands-on learning, real-world applications, and provides opportunities to work with industry experts in fields like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This approach not only gives our students the knowledge they need but also helps them see the exciting potential of their future careers.
One of the most impactful ways the role of STEM in South Bend high schools is bringing to life is through partnerships with leading organizations. A recent example of this is our collaboration with NASA’s Glenn Research Center and the University of Notre Dame. Thanks to this partnership, students from Career Academy High School had the chance to contribute to NASA’s pioneering work on quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft engines—technology that could revolutionize air travel.
On November 7, 2024, a group of our students got the opportunity: to travel to the University of Notre Dame to see NASA’s Advanced Noise Control Fan in action. This innovative piece of technology is a critical part of NASA and the University’s research into reducing the noise created by aircraft engines. The goal is to develop quieter engines that are also more energy-efficient—making flying not only more comfortable for passengers but also more environmentally friendly.
At Notre Dame, our students saw firsthand how this open-rotor fan works. The students witnessed the fan’s operation in a real-world outdoor setting, where ground microphones captured the sound as the fan spun at various speeds. This was a chance to see STEM in action and understand how it can have a direct impact on industries like aviation.
What made the experience special was that some of our students were directly involved in the project. Using the 3D printers at The CANOPS Future Lab, they helped create stator blades for the open rotor fan, which helps guide airflow and ensure the fan operates smoothly.
Rebecca Anderson, a junior at Career Academy High School and a student helping lead this project, couldn’t hide her excitement after seeing the fan in action. “It was beyond words,” she said. “The part I enjoyed most was when they got the fan running. It was really impressive to see how quiet it was. I feel like everyone involved in STEM would love to work for NASA, including me.”
In addition to seeing the fan in action, students also got the chance to meet and learn from experts like Dr. Daniel Sutliff, an acoustic engineer at NASA Glenn Research Center. Dr. Sutliff spent time mentoring the students, showing them how the research they were observing and helping fabricate could lead to significant breakthroughs in aviation. “This is real-world, hands-on research for them,” he said. “If airlines can use these technologies to make flight quieter and cleaner, passengers will have more enjoyable flights.
The students who worked on NASA’s Advanced Noise Control Fan project gained more than just technical skills—they learned how to solve problems, collaborate as a team, and innovate in ways that could change the world. These are the kinds of experiences that open doors to future careers, whether that’s in aerospace, engineering, or any of the other exciting fields within STEM.
About the Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANOPS):
CANOPS is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and innovative educational programs that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. By partnering with local industries and organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, CANOPS provides hands-on learning opportunities, career pathways, and community-based education to equip students with the skills necessary for the modern workforce.
More information about the Career Academy Network of Public Schools can be found at CASBSchools.com