The Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School (AAHS) on Monday hosted a celebratory luncheon at the Bessemer Municipal Airport in honor of the school’s charter approval.
The celebration was held in a hangar at Bessemer Municipal Airport’s Mitchell Field, where the school’s future home will be located when it opens its doors next fall.
Among those in attendance were representatives from Delta Air Lines TechOps division, local elected officials and AAHS academic partners such as Miles College, Lawson State, Tuskegee University, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Bessemer Airport Authority (BAA) executive director Tim Wasyluka touted the school’s location in Bessemer and noted that he believes AAHS will foster the next generation of leaders in the field of aviation.
“We are honored to develop this new Charter School here at the Bessemer Airport,” said Wasyluka. “This school will help to develop leaders in the aviation industry and build upon what the BAA has established here in Bessemer over the past 30 years.”
Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School (AAHS) received approval from the Alabama Public Charter School Commission and is moving forward with plans to launch the school in the fall of 2022.
According to AAHS, the aviation-focused public charter school will offer an immersive, industry-aligned education for an intentionally diverse student population designed to prepare them for future aerospace and aviation careers.
AAHS founder Ruben Morris believes the Yellowhammer State is uniquely positioned to provide students with the skills that are necessary to obtain careers in the aviation industry.
“There is a shortage of pilots nationwide so we know there is a need for employees in the aviation industry,” said Morris. “Alabama is 12th in the nation in aerospace and defense. Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School will equip students for jobs in an industry that needs skilled workers.”