Enrichment Programs
Some of the biggest moments for Troy students happen once a year, off school grounds, and stick with them for life. WACO Aviation Invasion and 8th Grade Goes to College are TFBT’s two signature field trip experiences. These hands-on days open students’ eyes to what’s possible.
WACO Aviation Invasion
Aviation history and hands-on STEM at WACO for 6th graders.
8th Grade Goes to College
8th graders tour Wright State and picture life after high school.
WACO Aviation Invasion
May 12 & 13, 2027
What It Is
Every year, TFBT partners with the WACO Air Museum & Aviation Learning Center to give Troy 6th graders a day they won’t forget, right in their own backyard.
Who It Serves
All Troy City Schools 6th graders have the opportunity to take part in this field trip during school hours, where students are led through stations at WACO Air Museum & Aviation Learning Center. It’s offered completely free of charge, so cost is never a barrier.
How TFBT Supports WACO Aviation Invasion
TFBT covers the full cost of the experience, funding the program, providing transportation, and even covering lunch for the volunteers who make the day possible.
The Experience
Students dive into WACO’s rich aviation history and get hands-on with aviation maintenance, drones, and airplanes. The highlight for many? Building and launching their own paper rockets.
Hear From Program Participants
“We are grateful to partner with The Future Begins Today to provide Troy’s 6th grade students with WACO Aviation Invasion. The Future Begins Today makes this program possible by providing funding for the program, transportation for the students, and lunch for our volunteers. This hands-on experience gives students the opportunity to explore WACO’s aviation history while learning about aviation maintenance, drones, and airplanes. A highlight for many students is making and launching their own paper rockets. This spring, we were excited to welcome approximately 300 Van Cleve Middle School sixth graders to WACO over two days. We truly appreciate Katie Clevenger and The Future Begins Today for their support and for being such a pleasure to work with in making this experience possible for the students at Van Cleve.” — Jennifer Thomas, Aviation Educator, WACO Air Museum and Aviation Learning Center
8th Grade Goes to College
Date Coming Soon
The Program
An annual full-campus tour at Wright State University, made possible through a partnership with WSU faculty and staff.
Who Can Participate
All Troy Junior High School 8th graders are invited to participate in this field trip.
A Day on Campus
Students explore lecture halls, laboratories, the Student Union, the bookstore, and even college dorms, built to make college feel achievable and real.
Transportation & Chaperones
Troy City Schools provides transportation during school hours. Troy Junior High School teachers and staff serve as volunteers and chaperones.
“This college visit is an impactful experience that opens our students’ eyes to the many possibilities after graduation. For many of our eighth graders, walking onto a college campus for the first time is exciting and thought-provoking — they return with ideas about why to go to college and who they want to become. Thank you for investing in our students’ futures and providing them with the inspiration and confidence to dream big.” — Kelly Craft, 8th Grade Counselor
Still Have Questions?
Want to know more about WACO Aviation Invasion, 8th Grade Goes to College, or how your child can take part? We’re happy to help.