Hot Air for Hope is expanding its School Outreach Program into Carson City, Douglas County and Lyon County schools in partnership with Carson Tahoe Health, bringing a vibrant and visually engaging experience directly to students.
Now in its fourth year, the program combines hands-on hot air balloon education with conversations around connection, resilience, and emotional well-being.
With the aim to inspire the next generation of ballooning, Hot Air for Hope spokeswoman Amanda Johnson said the program pays tribute to the older generations of ballooners by introducing kids to the sport.
“It’s exciting for youth, exciting for families and exciting for our pilots who want to inspire the next generation of balloon pilots out there, much in the way they were inspired when they learned about ballooning,” said Johnson.
During presentations, students will experience live hot air balloon inflation inside school settings, while learning the science of flight, the history of ballooning, and the importance of community support.
Built around the message, “I can’t fly my balloon alone — it takes a community,” the initiative uses ballooning as a powerful metaphor to help students understand the importance of connection — especially when navigating challenges like stress and grief.
“When Carson Tahoe Health found out about our event and their mission of helping build resiliency with children, this paired really well with our mission to support and bring hope to families with connection, healing, hope and kindness,” said Johnson.
This expanded initiative also integrates Carson Tahoe Health’s Healing Our Kids programming and Vehicles of Change mobile outreach model, delivering play-based, evidence-informed experiences that support youth mental health and resilience.
The upcoming school event schedule is tentative as weather conditions permit.
April 6: 8:35am, CC Meneley Elementary School, Gardnerville
April 8: 7:30am – Boys & Girls Club/Homeschoolers, Carson City
April 9: 8:35am – Jacks Valley Elementary School, Minden
April 14: 8:35am – Seeliger Elementary School, Carson City
April 16: 8:35am – Gardnerville Elementary School
April 28: Mark Twain Elementary School, Carson City
April 30: Silver Stage Elementary School, Silver Springs
May 5: 8:45am – Riverview Elementary School, Dayton
