Pauls Valley High School takes flight with an 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 $5,000 education grant for Pauls Valley High School to implement the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association High School unmanned and manned aircraft systems curriculum for grades 10-12.   

“As we work to diversify Oklahoma’s economy and help guide our students into great-paying STEM jobs, aerospace and aviation offers some of the most exciting career opportunities out there,” said Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada.  “I’m pleased that Pauls Valley has been chosen to receive these resources to help our students build a great future for themselves.”

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 grant from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission will fund an exciting opportunity for Pauls Valley students to learn more about the aerospace and aviation industry,” said Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay.

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.

“Pauls Valley Public Schools is 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.