State Farm and local kids launch high-altitude weather balloons

Posted on June 6, 2023

More than 50 kids learned about the technology and science behind the weather balloon launch before participating in a historic first – launching Jake from State Farm in to space. (Photo courtesy of State Farm)

By WJBC Staff

BLOOMINGTON – State Farm Enterprise Technology STEM mentors launched a high-altitude weather balloon as part of a STEM project with kids from Western Avenue Community Center and the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal.

More than 50 kids learned about the technology and science behind the weather balloon launch before participating in a historic first – launching Jake from State Farm into space.

According to a State Farm news release, two high-altitude weather balloons were launched, one for each organization. Both balloons had a Jake from State Farm plush doll attached to it and ascended to nearly 100,000 feet into space before descending and ultimately landing in Logan County. One balloon landed west of the town of Evans, IL while the second balloon landed just west of Atlanta, IL.

Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe, Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett, and other guests attended the event.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

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