Canadian Valley Technology Center to host Pre-Engineering & Digital Media Technology program with grant from the Aeronautics Commission

OKLAHOMA CITY – Fifty organizations were awarded Aerospace and Aviation Education Program grants totaling over $365,000 at the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission’s (OAC) August meeting. 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 commission approved a $7,500 grant for Canadian Valley Technology Center’ for their “Pre-Engineering & Digital Media Technology” program. This program introduces 10th-12th graders to UAS and will incorporate hands-on activities to develop skills in designing, programming, and operating drones.  

“The aerospace and aviation industry is the one of the largest and fastest growing in our state, so it’s important that we have a highly educated and trained workforce to meet its demands,” said Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tutlte. “This grant will provide students in Canadian County the opportunity to learn more about drones and if this might be something they’d like to pursue as a career.”

The Aerospace and Aviation Education Grant Program 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.

“This is exciting news for the students and educators at Canadian Valley Technology Center,” said Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon. “Aerospace and aviation are fast-growing career fields in Oklahoma. Preparing students early for these potential future jobs gives them an incredible opportunity in an exciting career and helps build our state’s workforce and our economy.”

The OAC’s nationally recognized program enjoys a positive reputation as one of the most robust aviation education programs among state aviation agencies. For the 2021-22 school year, Oklahoma will rank #3 in the country in the number of schools teaching the AOPA curriculum. Since FY2001, the Commission has awarded $4.15 million in aerospace and aviation education grants.

“Career Tech and their technology centers have been a great partner with the Aeronautics Commission and are making a difference in the lives of their students.  We know these educators are providing valuable insight into the potential for a future aviation and aerospace career and we wish them great success with their program” said Paula Kedy, MA. Ed., Aerospace and Aviation Education Coordinator for the Commission.

Watch the full meeting at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfvqUmcWmrY&t=15s.