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Innovators throughout Edwards AFB welcome new subject matter experts to their XCITE Panel to begin the FY23 Airman Pitch Process

  • Published
  • By Adam Bowles
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

Innovators throughout Edwards Air Force Base, California, welcome new subject matter experts to their XCITE Panel to begin the FY23 Airman Pitch Process, 17 Oct.

The XCITE (SME) Panel is a subject matter expert panel of NH-IV or equivalent with technical/functional expertise that:               

*Evaluate Airman pitches and vote on whether to resource

*Advise 412 TW Innovation Team on key strategy

*Ensure good stewardship of 412 TW Innovation funds

*Support 412 TW Innovation Team in maintaining/refining established processes

*Provide guidance to innovators in getting to “Yes!”

In FY22, XPOI, the Wing Innovation Department, dedicated resource advisors, and base contracting, completed 100% execution of the $1.4M Innovation Budget on 25 Airman-Led Innovation Projects. The Airman Pitch Process for FY23 starts again 17 Oct.

Every Monday at 1400 on MS Teams, Airmen can bring their requests to the XCITE (SME) Panel to request resource approval (e.g. funding, leadership buy-in, or facilitation assistance from XPOI).

"Innovation is all about having an open mind to improve the future for our Airmen," Mr. Anthony Zutten, Criminal Indexing and Investigations Specialist explained. "Being able to pitch your ideas to the XCITE panel allows open communication to various levels of leadership throughout the 412 TW. Expediting these ideas through the chain has the potential to save time, money, and lives! I couldn't be more excited to bring TruNarc's technological capabilities to our local law enforcement units."

Airmen are asked to work with Innovation coaches from XPOI or their assigned Group POC to develop their pitch (e.g. problem, solution, return on investment, and investment required) and then pitch to the panel for approval/support.

Contact XPOI, Britney Reed, Rebecca Kern, James “Spencer” Jernigan or your Innovation - Group POCs - All contacts (dps.mil) for assistance.

 

 

Edwards provides care, opportunities for children aged six weeks through high school graduation

Edwards provides care, opportunities for childrenaged six weeks through high school graduation

The Child and Youth Program at Edwards AFB provides care and opportunities for kids ages six weeks old through high school graduation. A brief summary of those services follows:

  •                    The Child Development Center cares for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with a DOD-wide curriculum. The curriculum is focused on learning through play activities supporting social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Installations across DOD follow the curriculum on the same timeline to allow seamless permanent change-of-station transitions for youth enrolled in care.
  •                    The School Age Center provides before and after-school care and summer camp for children ages 5 to 12. During school breaks, full-day camps are offered. SAC promotes cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, language and physical development through programs that encourage self-confidence, curiosity, self-discipline and resiliency.
  •                    The open recreation program at the Main Youth Center provides a safe space for ages 9 to 12 to attend after school. Programs include Power Hour, STEM, Torch Club, social recreation, youth camps, special events and more.
  •                    The youth sports program provides intro and league opportunities for ages 3 to 12, and promotes inclusiveness, self-discipline, commitment, resiliency and social skills. There are four sports offered annually for ages five to 12: baseball/softball, soccer, flag football and basketball. Smart start programs are available to ages 3 to 5. There are many other sports and camps offered throughout the year.
  •                    The Teen Center is available for ages 13 to 18 during the school year. Programs offered include Military Youth of the Year, Keystone Club, social recreation, STEM activities, college trips, leadership camps and more.
  •                    Youth programs (SAC, open rec and teen) are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4-H.
  •                    Family Child Care homes – there are currently three FCC homes on the installation. They can provide care for ages two weeks to 12 years. FCC providers are trained by Child and Youth Program training and curriculum specialists and have the flexibility to determine their hours of operation and the ages of youth within their care. The program’s new dedicated manager, Jennifer Stegmann, may be reached at 661-275-7529.

Although CDC enrollment capacity is 317, not all slots are currently filled because of a shortage of childcare workers. School Age Center enrollment capacity is 156. After-school care enrollment is 130. Before-school care enrollment is 75. Summer Camp 2022 was at its capacity and enrollment for Summer Camp 2023 opens April 3.