AKRON — If you're going to dream big, why not do it in a blimp hanger?
Hundreds of LeBron James Family Foundation students were under one roof -- or should we say under a Goodyear blimp hangar -- Thursday morning as the tire company welcomed the I PROMISE 8th grade students to tour career possibilities in the Rubber City.
The students met with employees at interactive stations at the 2nd annual Hometown Innovation 8th grade experience outing with Goodyear. Students spoke with engineers and aircraft mechanics -- and even designed their own tire treads.
Some students even spent time coming up with their own future "hometown innovations."
Geviona Rivers, a Buchtel 8th grade student, came up with her own idea after getting a hands-on lesson at one of the interactive stations focused on innovation.
"I can use that to make different sneakers, like the bottom of the shoes, help people walk better like people with diabetic nerve pain," said Rivers. "I want to help people and solve different problems that others can not do."
Rivers said the idea to experiment with different types of rubber to create a more comfortable shoe was inspired by her mother.
"My mom is diabetic and you can get pain in your feet and you can't really do al the stuff that you want to do throughout your day," said Rivers. "I think the rubber in your shoe, you can make it to where it can be comfortable for you to walk and go along with you day so you're not in so much pain or hurting."
LJFF's 8th grade outings are designed to give students a chance to learn about various career opportunities.
