UpLift Texas A&M

UpLift is the Texas A&M Vertical Flight Society's (VFS) flagship outreach initiative, designed to ignite curiosity and build real-world skills in underrepresented high-school students. Over a semester, participants: Learn the science of vertical flight—from aerodynamics and control surfaces to powertrain selection and flight testing. Design and 3D-print their own eVTOL frames using our industry-grade printers, guided by Texas A&M Aerospace Engineers. Collaborate in small teams on every stage of the build cycle: CAD modeling, component sourcing, assembly, and troubleshooting. Apply project-management best practices alongside VFS members, gaining teamwork, communication, and leadership experience. Showcase their creations at a capstone Demo Day—complete with sponsor recognition, media coverage, and networking opportunities Backed by Amazon’s generous funding and mentorship, UpLift will engage dozens of students in hands-on STEM exploration and build a sustainable pipeline of future engineers.