For Cody Floren, learning is about more than textbooks—it’s about understanding why things work and how ideas turn into reality. Currently a 10th grader at the West Valley Innovation Center, Cody is already taking meaningful steps toward his future through West Valley’s STEM Aerospace program.

Cody joined the aerospace program one year ago, driven by a deep interest in math, physics, and engineering. “I got involved in this program because I was really interested in the math and physics involved in aerospace and engineering in general,” he shared. That curiosity has only grown as he’s explored how complex concepts apply to real-world challenges.

What excites Cody most is the problem-solving side of aerospace. “I find it interesting to learn about why things work the way they do, especially with aerospace in this scenario,” he said. Through hands-on learning, Cody can see equations and theories come to life—an experience that has reinforced his passion for STEM which includes science, technology, engineering, and math.

One standout project has been a model airplane build. Students were tasked with designing and constructing a plane, whether based on an existing aircraft or an original design. “Everything from the initial designs, 3D modeling, cutting, and assembly is all student-led,” Floren explained. “This allows us to have plenty of freedom in how we learn the content and apply it practically.” The open-ended nature of the project challenges students like Cody to think creatively, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning.

The STEM Aerospace program in West Valley has been assisted with grant funds that have allowed the district to purchase flight simulators. In addition, West Valley has partnered with a local airplane manufacturer, CubCrafters, to provide students with the opportunity to build a single-engine aircraft on campus.

Looking ahead, Cody has big goals. After graduating, he plans to continue his education in aerospace engineering or even film. Cody believes his experience at the Innovation Center is giving him an important edge, and he’s a perfect fit for the self-directed learning you’ll find at the Innovation Center. “This experience helps me learn various problem-solving, team-building, and practical skills,” he said. “I’m really able to utilize the self-paced work that we have…I am very self-driven.”

For students considering aerospace or engineering, Cody’s advice is clear: “You must have self-motivation and persistence to succeed. When engineering, things are bound to fail and get challenging. You just need to learn how to overcome and adapt to that challenge.”

With curiosity, determination, and a growing portfolio of hands-on experience, Cody Floren is well on his way to building a path that excites him and is preparing him for work and learning beyond West Valley.