MEDIA ADVISORY
Rocket Program Launching 320 Students Toward College and Career Readiness
Middle school Rocket Ambassadors guide elementary students through hands-on STEM experience as part of the College, Career, and Technical Education program
WHAT: Rocket Launch
WHY DIFFERENT:
For the first time, Taft Middle School is expanding its rocketry program to include elementary students in a first-of-its-kind Rocket Invitational. Over two days, 320 elementary students from six schools will build, design and launch rockets under the guidance of trained middle school Rocket Ambassadors. This year marks the first time the program has expanded to include elementary students, creating a new pathway that introduces younger learners to district STEM opportunities. This teach-and-lead model puts middle schoolers in the role of peer educators while giving elementary students a window into the hands-on learning opportunities available in their cluster.
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
? Rocket building and design in cafeteria; demonstration launch on field
? Teams of four students will construct their rockets and design custom artwork, including team logos and slogans, in the school cafeteria. The day concludes with a demonstration launch and safety training on the field.
Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
? Rocket launches on field and awards ceremony
? Teams will launch their rockets on the field behind the school and collect data, tracking metrics such as flight time and accuracy. The event culminates with an awards ceremony recognizing achievements in categories including highest launch, best rocket design, closest to target and best team logo.
Event program: View run of show
WHERE: Taft Middle School: 9191 Gramercy Drive, San Diego, CA 92123 (Launches will take place on the field behind the school; media must check in at the front office upon arrival.)
VISUALS:
- Students building and designing rockets in the cafeteria
- middle school Rocket Ambassadors mentoring younger students
- rocket launches on the athletic field
- team artwork and posters; awards ceremony
BACKGROUND: Taft Middle School's rocketry program has conducted launches for four years as part of its Gateway to Technology middle school CTE class. The Rocket Invitational exemplifies San Diego Unified's commitment to college and career readiness through its CCTE program. By engaging elementary students in project-based learning while positioning middle schoolers as peer educators, the event builds essential skills including teamwork, problem-solving, data analysis and scientific inquiry. The Rocket Ambassador model develops leadership and communication skills in older students while inspiring younger students to explore STEM career pathways. This is part of San Diego Unified's College, Career, and Technical Education program. Experiences like this allow students to connect their interests to district programs that can lead to college and career opportunities after graduation.
____________________________________________________________________________
Media Contact: James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net
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| | James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net 4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103
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