KC Aviation Challenge: Meet the Winning Student Make48 Teams

This semester, students didn’t just stay in the classroom; they stepped up to the runway to take on real-world challenges through the Make48 Innovation Experience. 

The results were nothing short of first-class. 

The Challenge “Home Away From Home” 

With the new terminal at Kansas City International Airport setting a new standard for travel, the bar has been raised for passenger experience flying to and from the Heart of America. 

These teams took on a unique challenge presented by the KC Aviation Department and the Northland Chamber of Commerce to present students with a challenge, “Home Away from Home.” Students were tasked with reimagining the travel experience, finding creative ways to make journeys more comfortable, engaging, and welcoming for travelers passing through MCI airport. 

The creativity on display was incredible, but three teams stood out to the judges.

Congratulations to the team at Andover CAPS! Their first-place idea, "PentaWorld," gave them a ticket to the Make48 in-person competition. We are excited to see the cleverness and problem-solving skills their team will bring. 

Andover CAPS

Blue Valley CAPS flew into second place with "Interactive Sticker World Map", while third place went to Summit Technology Academy with "Walk On KC".

A Community Effort

Thank you to our partners, the KC Aviation Department and the Northland Chamber, for providing such an inspiring prompt for these students. A massive thank you also goes to the teachers and mentors who guided these teams and made this challenge a great success.

We’re already seeing schools sign up for a chance to participate in the 2026–27 Make48 National Tournament. If you’re ready to give your students a chance to innovate, compete, and learn real-world skills, let’s make it happen. Visit www.make48.com/classroom to learn more!