Aero Education Grant Deadline May 31st…
Encourage Aerospace & Aviation in your school or aviation organization!
The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission’s Aviation Education Program has begun accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year. The portal will close on May 31, 2023. Grants are for education programs that are aviation and aerospace minded for primary through post-secondary grade levels. The program funds are part of more than $450,000 the agency annually provides to programs statewide aimed at exposing more Oklahoma young people to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and careers in the aviation and aerospace industry.
There is nothing more important that we do at the Aeronautics Commission than to encourage young people to consider aerospace or aviation as a career when they finish their post-secondary education. The Aeronautics Commission’s aerospace and aviation education funding supports the Oklahoma Works initiative that aims to address the skills gap and to connect students to programs that will help build Oklahoma’s aerospace and aviation workforce.
Aerospace and aviation education is one of the Aeronautics Commission’s top priorities. Since FY2001, it has provided $4.15 million in aerospace and education funding to organizations and programs throughout the state. Within the last 5 years alone, the Commission has awarded nearly $1.6 million in education grants and contracts. Research the rules filed with the Secretary of State to verify that your program qualifies and then apply today! Be sure to share this opportunity with your local schools, career techs, colleges, cities, and community leaders.
Click to start your application today…
Download School Year 2023-2024 Aviation Education Grant Application Form
Grants at a Glance
Important Information for OAC Grant Applicants
Email completed applications to Paula Kedy and Michelle Bouziden at pkedy@oac.ok.gov and mbouziden@oac.ok.gov.
Is your high school signed up for this free aviation curriculum?
Oklahoma AOPA “You Can Fly” High School Program Sign Up Deadline May 31st, 2023
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, 57 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 31st 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 pkedy@oac.ok.gov.
Aviation Industry Facts:
The Oklahoma Aviation and Aerospace Industry produces just under $44 billion in annual economic activity, making it the second largest economic engine in our state. Three segments account for this total: Military aviation, $19.3 billion; off-airport aviation and aerospace businesses, $13.9 billion; and commercial and general aviation airports, $10.6 billion. Aviation & Aerospace supports 206,000 jobs totaling an $11.7 billion payroll. The average salary in the industry is $73,300, making it one of the highest average salaries in the state.