The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) is investing in the state’s future aviation and aerospace professionals. The August Commission meeting focused on the approval of more than $820,000 in grants for 103 aerospace focused education programs around the state.
Newcastle Public Schools was among recipients being granted $4,700 for its AOPA curriculum.
Oklahoma ranks first in the nation for high school aerospace education. That distinction is thanks, in part, to the commitment of the ODAA to aerospace curriculum programs across the state. Those programs are training the next generation of pilots, air traffic controllers, maintainers, engineers, and other aviation professionals.
The ODAA’s investment is necessary to address the demand for qualified workers in Oklahoma’s second largest and fastest growing industry that generates nearly $44 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 120,000 direct jobs across 1,100 different companies.
“Thanks to the forethought and vision of the Oklahoma Legislature and leadership, we’ve seen a surge in the state’s aerospace industry,” said Grayson Ardies, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics executive director.
“That enthusiasm has expanded into the classroom and is evident in the number of teachers we see leading the charge to incorporate aerospace curriculum today. We’re excited to see this growth continue and watch the next generation of the aerospace workforce take flight!”
The majority share of funds is slated to be allocated for critical teaching elements such as flight simulators, training drones, and STEM supplies for programs such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) “You Can Fly” curriculum. More than $590,000 will be awarded to 74 programs across the state for “You Can Fly.”
Nearly $80,000 will be awarded to seven organizations for camps and workshops focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education including engineering, mathematics, drones, aviation and aerospace.
Six organizations focused on additional education, outreach and workforce development will receive about $60,000 in funds to help cover costs associated with STEM programs including flight lab creation, flight simulation software, space education and work-readiness programs focused on placing people in aerospace and advanced manufacturing jobs.
Another six organizations will receive $48,000 to attend and participate in competitions and events. Awardees include STEM educational groups focusing primarily on robotics and robotics competitions as well as engineeringbased groups concentrated on engineering fairs and competitions.
Other school programs will receive the last $42,000 for various educational needs including supporting another statewide aerospace curriculum called “Choose Aerospace” which introduces students to the concepts of aviation maintenance training and prepares them to become A&P mechanics, along with general aerospace teacher training, after school drone flying clubs, a wind tunnel for a university-level course, and an electronic troubleshooting training system.
“It is gratifying to see the aviation programs being implemented across the state through the implementation of ODAA grants. From Oklahoma’s smallest high schools to its largest, from airports to universities, and from museums to community workforce centers, students across the state are developing skills that will lead them to postsecondary aviation programs and industry careers,” said Paula Kedy, Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager. “ODAA Aero Education grants provide the impetus necessary for entities to build quality learning experiences for students, and because of the work being done through these remarkable schools and organizations, Oklahoma is leading the nation in aerospace education.”
