Flying Cloud Institute

09/03/2026

Thank you to the Crane Fund for Widows & Children for supporting Flying Cloud's Young Women in Science STEM Summer program! This program gives young women the opportunity to explore real-world science, engineering, technology, and math alongside women professionals working in STEM fields. Crane Currency's support enables us to prioritize underserved youth from Pittsfield, creating access to high-quality STEM learning and future career pathways! Pictured are Craig Wojcicki from Crane and Stephanie DuPont, Flying Cloud's Development Manager. 🥰

08/25/2026

Pittsfield, we have liftoff! The rocket launch with the Future Innovators Camp was so incredible!

08/21/2026

What an exciting week with the Future Innovators Camp! 🚀

They started by creating paper airplanes, exploring different sizes and weights of paper, paper clips, and tape. Then collected data from their experiments.

Next, they built a balloon and flew it in the vault space. Then, they designed Balsa gliders and trimmed them with clay.

Throughout the camp, youth explored concepts of thermals, wind direction and thrust, and were introduced to propeller planes, space stations and concepts of bio-mimicry in aviation.

Finally, it was time to build their rockets! They inserted shock cords, an engine mount, lug, and a parachute in a nose cone. Once rockets passed inspection with volunteer and master rocketeer David Doyle, youth proceeded to decorate them.

Camp concluded with a successful rocket launch for friends and family members at the Herberg Middle School field. Can't wait for next year!

08/18/2026

Last week, young women explored science, technology, engineering and math in the real science labs of Berkshire Community College. The girls dove into hands-on science and engineering investigations alongside female peers who share a love of inquiry and discovery.

Youth learned about the biophysics of bubbles, created cyanotypes, had an engineering teardown, performed health checks for dogs, dissected a sheep's heart with a veterinarian, explored architecture, and so much more!

08/17/2026

3, 2, 1, blast off! We concluded this year's Future Innovators Camp with a successful rocket launch. Students learned about the physics of flight while exploring their creativity and sense of discovery.

08/17/2026

3, 2, 1, blast off! We concluded this year's Future Innovators Camp with a successful rocket launch. Students learned about the physics of flight while exploring their creativity and sense of discovery. Thanks to the Berkshire Eagle for these great photos!

At the culmination of a week of learning about the physics of flight and rocket engineering, participants in the Flying Cloud Institute’s Future Innovators Camp show off their handmade rockets

08/11/2026

Thanks for celebrating over four decades of empowering youth through hands-on science, art, and engineering education at this summer's S•M•Arty Party! Guests enjoyed great food by Los Lopez taco truck, refreshing iced herbal teas by Harney & Sons Fine Teas, a silent auction, and wonderful company with our gracious hosts Lynn and Mitchell Samberg. Missed out? You can still make a difference! Donate today: https://www.flyingcloudinstitute.org/donate

08/08/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Robbi Hartt and The Berkshire Edge for featuring Flying Cloud Institute’s recent fundraiser! 🌟

​Local media partnerships like this play a vital role in keeping our community connected. By highlighting our work, you help ensure that hands-on art and STEM programs remain vibrant and accessible to young minds across the Berkshires.

​📖 Read the full feature below 👇

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“We are part of art, engineering, and creative solutions. Our goal is to make incredible opportunities and connections possible!” — Maria Rundle, executive director of Flying Cloud Institute (FCI)

08/05/2026

📢 What a day! Thank you for making Flying Cloud’s Summer 2026 S•M•Arty Party an extraordinary success! ✨

​Your energy, generosity, and community spirit made the afternoon truly unforgettable. You fuel our mission every single day, and we are so grateful to have you in the Flying Cloud family 💙

​With nearly half of local students in Pittsfield, Southern Berkshire, Berkshire Hills, and Lee facing economic disadvantages, the need for hands-on science and art education has never been more urgent. ​Calls from area schools are already pouring in for the upcoming year—proving just how vital these programs are. Help us say "YES!" to our schools 🔬🎨

​Be an active part of the solution and empower a local student today:
👉 Donate now: https://www.flyingcloudinstitute.org/donate

08/01/2026

Give your child an unforgettable birthday adventure! 🎭🎂 Thank you to Treasure Trunk Theatre for donating an Imagination Adventure Birthday party Package ($300 value) for up to 7 kids to our S•M•Arty Party silent auction! Explore their interactive, theatrical fun at treasuretrunktheatre.com.

At Treasure Trunk Theatre, we create a nurturing space for children to develop their imagination, confidence, and creativity through the magic of storytelling. We encourage self-expression and celebrate ...