HSU Educational Foundation

05/25/2026

Today we remember and honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We owe them our deepest gratitude and respect.

HSU Innovation Institutes are closed today, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day.

05/25/2026

The HSU Educational Foundation recently hosted another Small Engines Workshop at the HSU Innovation Institute, made possible with lead support of Step One Automotive Group. During the course, participants explored the fundamentals of small engine operation through interactive, hands-on activities focused on gaining knowledge of engine parts, routine maintenance, and basic diagnostics.

We’re proud of all our participants as they commit extracurricular time to learn foundations for the technical skills that lead to real world high-demand careers.

Our Spark Scholar program series helps spark interest in automotive and mechanical career pathways while empowering the next generation by building valuable experience. More exciting training opportunities follow on this exciting course series for which this course serves as the first prerequisite! We provide this opportunity on rotation and soon anticipate extending an introductory adult offering as well. The bar for excellence set by Step One Automotive Group is visible as master technician Ken Whitehead serves to provide positive mentorship encouraging the next generation through his example and instruction. Thank you to our partners and all our valued stakeholders who make programs like these available at no cost to our community! The Boeing Company Florida Power & Light Air Force Research Laboratory - AFRL Project 1 - 1st SOW Spark Cell City of Fort Walton Beach

05/22/2026

If you're a university student studying engineering or a related field, have you applied to the next round of AFRL's Aerospace Propulsion Outreach Program (APOP)?

Still on the fence? Well, if you're someone who enjoys the following, maybe it's time to send in that application:

✅Hands-on learning with real (small) engines
✅Teamwork with other like-minded students
✅Collaboration with a STEM expert in government
✅Fantastic bullet points on your resume
..And getting to visit the world's largest military aviation museum to boot? If one or more of these apply to you, learn more about how you or someone you know can apply today before the May 31st deadline via our link in the comments.

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05/20/2026

Global SOF Foundation
SOF Week - Tampa
Our HSU Educational Foundation team made some great connections this week across the SOF community and with defense industry networks as we aim to support and drive ! Riverwalk demos drew out all the crowds under the sun for a display of military force strength and tip of the spear capabilities.

05/18/2026

July and August 2026 brings even more Spark Scholar program outreach to Hsu Innovation Institutes South (FWB) and North (Crestview)! Be sure to register here: Participants may choose only two summer STEM camp programs each. Thank you to generous partners The Boeing Company Air Force Research Laboratory - AFRL Florida Power & Light Project 1 - 1st SOW Spark Cell Triple R Construction Step One Automotive Group City of Fort Walton Beach Ray Foundation and to our generous instructors, mentors and subject matter experts for your leadership. Representative Patt Maney Paul Hsu Amanda Negron

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/hsu-educational-foundation-17339343684

05/18/2026

Bringing critical AI tools to the fight, AFSOC Lt. General Conley innovates with emerging technology to sharpen intel time on the MQ-9 in Operation Epic Fury.

Lt. Gen. Michael E. Conley, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, revealed on May 12, 2026, that an AI-powered intelligence system has been successfully used since the first day of Operation Epic Fury.

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Conley explained that the tool enables rapid transfer of critical intelligence to MQ-9 Reaper drones and manned aircraft, reducing processing time from 20–30 minutes to just 2–3 seconds. The system converts Top Secret data to Secret level using AI tools, placing humans “on the loop” for faster decision-making.

Conley stated that the technology has provided significantly improved battlefield situational awareness. “We have data that indicates that we’ve saved a lot of aircraft over the last 60 days using that tool,” he said.

The Air Force continues to expand the use of AI for processing complex intelligence data, including full-motion video, to support analysts and operators. This innovation demonstrates how U.S. military personnel are adapting emerging technologies to enhance mission effectiveness and aircraft survivability in challenging environments.

The development highlights the ongoing integration of artificial intelligence to strengthen operational readiness and protect valuable assets.

(Photo: Lt. Gen. Michael E. Conley )

05/16/2026

It was an honor for our leadership to be invited to help welcome Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Wolfe to Eglin Air Force Base for a special installation briefing today.

The remarks shared a clear message on the vision of leadership and key updates regarding the posture of global missions and how evolving events impact service members and their families. It was impressive to witness the relational leadership conveyed through the open
Q and A dialogue session with enlisted airmen that followed.

As a civic leader representing our community, Hsu Foundation’s CEO Amanda Negron found the event to be one of energy and encouragement, while instilling a strong feeling of confidence that US Air Force leadership are fully tracking on the needs of the troops and priorities to tackle ahead. It was clear today that the immense hangar of attendees felt especially valued and ‘seen’. Thank you to Air Force leadership and CMSgt Wolfe for this special visit!

05/16/2026

Congratulations to the 42 recruits who took their oath of military enlistment this week during a special recognition ceremony hosted by the Emerald Coast Military Affairs Council and held at the Eglin AFB Air Armament Museum. This event also provided a wonderful service experience for some of our HSU Ambassadors who participated as volunteers to aid in event preparations and support. The pride on the faces of all the families reflected the significance of a choice made on behalf of a grateful Nation. A choice that will bring new direction to their lives and careers.

Hsu Foundation’s CEO Amanda Negron was honored to congratulate each of the enlistees along side ceremony officials which included a General Officer, three senior enlisted leaders, and the Superintendent of Schools. She wished each of them well in their future military career pursuits and encouraged their defense of the US Constitution, which was marked with the presentation of their own personal pocket edition.

05/16/2026

Our HSU Educational Foundation team were glad to help welcome back U.S. Department of War Asst. Sec.
Dale Marks for a military affairs luncheon of the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. Former Executive Director of Eglin AFB, he was confirmed this past year to serve as Asst Sec. for Installations, Energy and Environment. Mr Marks is also serving as Deputy Under Secretary for Acquisitions and Sustainment.

During the event, he briefed community leaders on critical aspects of current military mission activities and defense priorities. He was also presented the ‘You Rock’ award for his outstanding leadership. Mr Marks has proven to be an energetic innovator and advocate for public private partnerships (PPP) of which we share a passion to further in NW Florida between military, academia, civic agencies and industry. The concept of PPP represents a key opportunity for successful innovation outcomes.

05/14/2026

Today HSU Educational Foundation was proud to serve once again as the Schools Ambassador sponsor for the Oneokaloosa Edc Day! These top young leaders are invited to participate as representatives of their schools. Looking to the future, they represent our next generation workforce! Thank you to their teachers and administrators for preparing them on their path to a career! OCSD CTE Okaloosa County School District Rocky Bayou Christian School Okaloosa Technical College University of West Florida Northwest Florida State College homeschools and all other educators!

05/14/2026

Don’t miss registration for these exciting June HSU Educational Foundation
Spark Scholar summer camps! (FWB) programs are from HSU Innovation Institute South in Fort Walton Beach while (CVW) programs are held at HSU Innovation Institute North in Crestview. July and August program opportunities will be released later this week.

These hands-on experiential learning programs are made possible by generous support of sponsors and partners Air Force Research Laboratory - AFRL Project 1 - 1st SOW Spark CellThe Boeing Company Florida Power & Light Step One Automotive Group Representative Patt Maney

Must Register Here : https://www.eventbrite.com/o/hsu-educational-foundation-17339343684