From Head Start to the Nation’s Capital: AIMS Rocketry Team Heads to Nationals
Four middle school students from the Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science (AIMS) are headed to Virginia for the American Rocketry Challenge National Finals. Enzo D., Roberto B., Ezra D., and Fred L. earned a spot among the top 100 rocketry teams in the country after months of designing, building, and fine-tuning their rocket.
Their journey wasn’t easy. They broke five rockets along the way. Fins snapped. A 3D printer caused cracks. One rocket turned into what they called a “spaghetti strap.” But they kept building.
What makes their story even more remarkable is where they started. All four team members were once Head Start students at Youth Development Inc. (YDI). They credit their early years for giving them a strong foundation.
Enzo recalls being ahead in math, which he attributes to Head Start. Ezra remembers his teacher, Miss Regina, who was always there to support him. Roberto smiles about Cook Danita and her pancakes.
Their instructor, Philip Watji, puts it simply: “They had a clear goal, the grit to work through imperfect situations, and they turned community support into success.”
Behind the team are engaged parents, mentors from Air Force Research Labs, Space Force, Sandia Labs, and the Department of Energy, who provided motors, materials, and guidance.
No matter what happens at nationals, these young men have already won. As Enzo says, “Even if you fail, it’s important to still try and learn something.”
YDI is proud to have been part of their journey from the very beginning.
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