Maysville Public Schools takes flight with education 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 $1,500 education grant for the Maysville Public Schools “Aerospace Discovery” program. This program exposes 5th- 8th-graders to aerospace concepts during visits with local historians and through activities including work with gliders, kites, and water and engine-powered rockets.

“Building and firing rockets, understanding how design impacts the way gliders and kites fly may sound like fun, and it is—but it sparks curiosity and a love of science and technology that can propel these kids into some of the highest paying jobs out there,” said Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada.  “I’m thankful Maysville has been chosen for this grant funding, and I’m excited about the potential of helping inspire students to become a part of the second largest industry in our state, aerospace and aviation.”

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.

“I’m grateful for the grant from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission that will make this program possible,” said Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay. “I look forward to seeing how students are inspired from a young age to pursue their interests in STEM.”

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.

“The Maysville Public School District has taken steps to make a real difference in the lives of their students. Through this program, these educators are providing students valuable insight into the potential for a future aviation and aerospace career.  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.