Roswell, N.M. – The National Championship Air Races (NCAR) have announced that the Leprino Foods Company Foundation has provided a $50,000 grant in support of the STEM Discovery Zone Powered by GRADD (Global Robot and Drone Deployment) at the upcoming inaugural 2025 National Championship Air Races, taking place September 10–14 in Roswell, NM. This exciting educational hub will engage students, families and visitors with hands-on experiences in robotics, drones, and other cutting-edge STEM technologies. To learn more about the National Championship Air Races or purchase tickets, visit www.airrace.org.

“We are deeply appreciative of the Leprino Foods Company Foundation’s support for our community and for our STEM programming,” said Fred Telling, chairman and CEO for the Reno Air Racing Association, producers of NCAR. “Their investment helps us create an unforgettable experience for young people—one that sparks curiosity, ignites passion, and plants the seeds for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Partnerships like this are the reason we can deliver on our mission to leverage our air racing event to educate and inspire.”

The STEM Discovery Zone is a signature community program of NCAR, designed to inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers and aviators. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, test flight simulators, operate drones and learn directly from industry professionals in aerospace and technology.

“This grant from the Leprino Foods Company Foundation means we can expand our STEM Discovery Zone experiences to reach even more students and families in Roswell and beyond,” expressed Reza Karamooz, education director for NCAR and founder of the STEM Discovery Zone. “Their generosity and commitment to the region help us show young minds the incredible opportunities waiting for them in STEM fields. We’re honored to have their support and proud to showcase this collaboration at the inaugural Air Races in Roswell.”

“The STEM Discovery Zone is the perfect partner for Leprino to demonstrate our commitment to our community and education,” said Ron Walker, plant manager of Leprino Foods Company’s Roswell cheese and dairy manufacturing facility. “As a longtime member of the Roswell community, we are thrilled to be part of the very first National Championship Air Races in Roswell, and we are proud to support a program that celebrates innovation, education and the future of this community.”

The 2025 National Championship Air Races mark the first time the prestigious event will be held in Roswell, bringing together world-class pilots, high-speed racing, and an atmosphere of celebration for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. The STEM Discovery Zone will be open throughout the event, offering free access to students and families thanks to support from the Leprino Company Foundation and other community partners.

To stay up to date on NCAR 2025 developments and more news about NCAR, sign up for our newsletter at www.airrace.org, or follow Facebook and Instagram.  

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About the National Championship Air Races

The National Championship Air Races are produced every September by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event was founded in Northern Nevada where it became an institution and the pinnacle of air racing before moving the historic event to Roswell, New Mexico. Aviation enthusiasts from around the world come to the air races to see seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.