Class Matters, Inc. Secures Aviation Education Contract Benefitting Northeast Academy Mid-High Students
OKLAHOMA CITY – Twenty-eight organizations were awarded Aerospace and Aviation Education Program grants or contracts totaling over $296,697 from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC). The record amount of funds will be used to expose more school-aged children in Oklahoma to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers, particularly those in aerospace and aviation. The funding was approved by the Commission at their most recent meeting.
The Commission approved an education contract for Class Matters, Inc. in which Northeast Academy Mid-High School students will gain an understanding of the history of aviation and aerospace, and learn how to identify the various parts of an airplane and helicopter. The students will also participate in an orientation flight to provide a real life experience of the principles of flight first-hand with an experienced pilot or simulation engineer. Students will also learn about the economic impact of the aerospace industry in Oklahoma and gain an understanding of the relationship between the FAA and the aviation industry. It is estimated that 25 students would participate. The requested amount was $29,754.00 and the amount granted was $5,000.00.
The program, which has been awarding aviation education grants for over 30 years, is part of the OAC mission to encourage and promote aviation throughout the state of Oklahoma. Director of Aeronautics Vic Bird said aerospace supports 240,000 jobs with an average salary of $73,300 annually. “Last year, after a two-year study, 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,” said Bird.
The nationally recognized program enjoys a positive reputation as one of the most robust aviation education programs among state aviation agencies. OAC has provided nearly $1.9 million in education funding within the last 10 years alone.
“OAC is proud to assist Class Matters in their first year as a grant recipient of our aviation education grant program, and we look forward to seeing the progress they achieve with their students,” said Catherine Taber, aviation program manager and aviation education coordinator for the Commission.