Cameron University Lands Aviation Education Grant for Aeronautics Focused Learning
OKLAHOMA CITY – Thirty-nine organizations were awarded Aerospace and Aviation Education Program grants or contracts totaling over $299,235 from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC). The record amount of funds will be used to bring more school-aged children in Oklahoma to STEM careers, particularly those in aerospace and aviation. The funding was approved by the Commission at their most recent meeting.
The Commission approved an education grant for Cameron University for the Aerospace Engineering & Applied Mathematics Summer Academy held during the summer of 2020. The Department of Chemistry, Physics & Engineering plans to host a 5-day summer science academy for middle school girls. The goal of the academy is to introduce the principles of aerospace engineering, rocket design, robotics, and the mathematics required for STEM and aerospace careers. The program also hopes to show girls the opportunities they can have in the aerospace engineering industry. Activities included during the summer camp are:
- Introduction to physics of flight
- Mathematics associated with flight
- Design and Build Rockets
- Trip to the science museum in OKC
It is estimated that 12 students will participate. The requested amount is $5,530; staff recommendation is for $1,120.
Grants are for targeted learning programs that have a direct application to aerospace and aviation for primary through post-secondary education. The grant funds are part of the agency’s initiative to give more Oklahoma young people access to STEM careers in the aerospace and aviation industry.
The aerospace and aviation grant program, which has been awarding aviation education grants for over 30 years. Charged with the mission by state statute, the Commission fosters and encourages students to consider aerospace or aviation as a career. The Commission’s grant program has years of positive results. The initiative supports the Oklahoma Works project that aims to address the skills gap and connect students to programs that will help build the workforce of Oklahoma’s second largest industry.
Director of Aeronautics Victor Bird said aerospace supports 240,000 jobs with an average salary of $73,300 annually; “After a two-year study concluded in 2017, we learned that the Aviation and Aerospace sector in Oklahoma supports $43.7 billion in annual statewide economic activity. A competent workforce, which includes our desperate need for aerospace engineers, will be needed to sustain this industry”.
The nationally recognized program enjoys a positive reputation as one of the most robust aviation education programs among state aviation agencies. Since FY2001, it has awarded over $2.8M in aerospace and aviation education grants.
“Cameron is a first-time applicant and has the potential to really make a difference in the lives of their students. The exploration of the aviation and aerospace industry may spark them to choose a career in these fields. We wish them great success and look forward to assisting them in their program,” said Adam Fox, Aviation Program Manager and Aviation Education Coordinator for the Commission.