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Harrison County approves $6,000 donation to Carl Hopkins Youth Aviation Expo
Summary
The commission approved a $6,000 contribution toward the Carl Hopkins Youth Aviation Expo, a free two-day STEM event for children set for Aug. 8–9, 2025, after hearing from organizer Ed Woske about participation, hands-on STEM activities and workforce goals.
The Harrison County Commission voted to donate $6,000 to the Carl Hopkins Youth Aviation Expo, a free hands-on STEM event for children scheduled for Aug. 8–9, 2025.
Ed Woske, identified in the meeting as chief operating officer of Engine and Airframe Solutions Worldwide, described the expo and its workforce goals: “We're on year 5 coming up this year, August, eighth and ninth. It's a Friday and a Saturday from 10 to 4,” Woske said, adding that the event draws volunteers and exhibitors from multiple states and features aircraft, simulators, NASA rocket-building and chances for children to meet pilots and crew.
Woske told commissioners the expo has attracted hundreds of children over previous years and is intended to introduce students to careers in aviation and aerospace appearing locally at Bridgeport Regional Airport. Commissioners and attendees emphasized the event’s local workforce development benefits; one commissioner said the county needs employees for the airport’s growth and praised the program’s outreach in schools.
Commission discussion also noted the expo’s volunteer-run model and prior administrative paperwork hiccups that organizers addressed. During discussion the commission moved and approved a $6,000 allocation (described in the meeting as $3,000 per year over two years), and commissioners voiced support for publicizing the event and posting the event video and dates on the county website.
Why it matters: Organizers framed the expo as a pipeline for skilled, higher-paying local jobs — mechanics, technicians and aviation professionals — linking youth outreach to regional economic development and the airport’s expansion.
What happens next: Commissioners approved the contribution by voice vote. Staff said they will post event dates and the YouTube link on the county website and coordinate logistics with the organizers.
