OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) is celebrating another year of leading the nation with the highest number of schools providing aerospace curriculum. More than 144 Oklahoma schools are slated to implement the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) “You Can Fly” program across the state this fall.
The distinction was announced during the annual training of AOPA educators offered by the ODAA. The three-day summit featured AOPA curriculum training at Rose State College in Midwest City as well as a special session at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center which provided teachers with important information about the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Control Academy.
The announcement was made by Grayson Ardies, ODAA Executive Director and Dan Justman, AOPA Foundation Vice President, You Can Fly, at the annual celebratory banquet held on Tuesday, June 10 at Oklahoma City’s Innovation Hall.
“For four years, Oklahoma’s aerospace education program has dominated the industry, consistently growing year after year. We are committed to supporting that growth and will continue to support educators and schools that are working to build Oklahoma’s aerospace workforce pipeline,” said Ardies.
Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industries employ nearly 120,000 professionals, including engineers, technicians, mechanics, pilots and air traffic controllers. The state’s education programs, particularly the AOPA “You Can Fly” program, play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of aerospace professionals.
For the 2025-2026 school year, 144 schools across Oklahoma will teach the AOPA “You Can Fly” program, up from 117 schools the previous year. This expansion represents more than 20% of all Oklahoma school districts, maintaining Oklahoma’s position as the leading state in aerospace education.
“We’re excited to be a part of Oklahoma’s success,” said AOPA’s Justman. “We will continue to work with ODAA to expand the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum and open doors to aviation careers for young Oklahomans all over the state.”
The aerospace industry offers well-paid career opportunities, with the average annual salary of a direct employee in aerospace and aeronautics being $73,300. These high-paying jobs require various levels of education, from college degrees to certifications from Oklahoma’s CareerTech centers, making the field accessible to a diverse workforce.
Oklahoma’s continued leadership in aerospace education reflects the state’s commitment to supporting its second-largest industry. By continuing to expand and promote aerospace programs, Oklahoma aims to further strengthen its position on a national stage and ensure long-term workforce success in the aerospace sector.
For more information about the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics and its education initiatives, please visit oklahoma.gov/aerospace/aero-education.
For a list of participating schools, please click here.