Pratt & Whitney supports youth STEM skills building

More than 500 students participated in the CPEP Challenge Day recently at the Connecticut Convention Center. The annual event seeks to increase children’s interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). CPEP is an out-of-school program with an emphasis on under-represented, urban youth. The Challenge Day was supported by dozens of volunteers from East Hartford manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, who are part of a group of STEM professionals, including engineers, teachers, scientists and business leaders, who acted as the day’s judges. Students participated in project competitions related to electric air-powered boats, mousetrap-powered vehicles, magnetic levitation vehicles, Lake Compounce roller coaster design, and an egg drop package contest.