Aviation Education

Oklahoma AOPA "You Can Fly" Program

Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce in the aerospace and aviation industry, the Aeronautics Commission is working to support Oklahoma high schools interested in offering aviation curriculum developed by the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA). The four year, “You Can Fly” curriculum is offered free to schools committed to providing high quality aviation STEM pathways for students.

In 2017, under the leadership of Paula Kedy and District Superintendent Mike Anderson, Ada High School was the first in the state to offer the new curriculum, and since that time, 16 Oklahoma schools have launched aviation programs. The AOPA curriculum program consists of 2 pathways, the pilot pathway and the UAS pathway. Schools may choose to implement one or both. The difficulty of the course work increases each consecutive year, building upon the knowledge required to become a private pilot or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot.

The registration period for schools wishing to apply to teach the AOPA curriculum is now open. Interested educators may access the application at aopa.org/apply. Applications must be submitted no later than May 31 of each year. For more information, contact the agency’s Aerospace & Aviation Education Coordinator, Paula Kedy, M.A. Ed. at (405) 604-6900 or by email at [email protected].
 

Superintendent Resource Guide

Aerospace & Aviation Education Grants

A priority for the Aeronautics Commission is encouraging Oklahoma’s young people to pursue careers in the aviation and aerospace industry. This is mostly accomplished through the awarding of aerospace and aviation education grants and contracts to various programs and entities across the state.

Since FY2001, it has provided $4.15 million in education funding throughout the state. Just within the last 5 years, the Commission has awarded $1.4M in education grants and contracts to several programs dedicated to the wonders of flight and STEM education. Financial support is crucial if Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace industry is to continue to flourish. Developing a pipeline of competent, well-trained workers is critical for the industry’s continued growth and viability.

Grants are for targeted learning programs that have a direct application to aerospace and aviation for primary through post-secondary education. Charged with the mission by state statute, the Commission encourages students to consider aerospace or aviation as a career. Aerospace and aviation is Oklahoma’s second largest industry, but its viability is contingent upon an adequate and competent workforce. Your classroom and students could greatly benefit from this program. We are here to take you step-by-step through the process.

Access OAC’s Aviation Education Grant Program

 

Aviation Workforce Links:

Aircraft Maintenance Program OKC

Aerospace Education A to Z Resource Guide

Oklahoma General Aerospace & Aviation Jobs

Oklahoma Career Tech Programs

Stellar Xplorers