Seminole 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 $6,500 education grant for Seminole High School for implementing the Seminole High Aviation Program, utilizing the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association curriculum to introduce students in 9th – 12th-grades to the areas of flying, aerospace engineering, unmanned aircraft systems, and career opportunities in aviation and aerospace.  

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.

“The Seminole High Aviation Program is just one example of the cutting-edge programs our public schools are implementing to inspire our next generation of Oklahomans,” said Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole. “I applaud their efforts to introduce our students to the world of aviation and aeronautics, and the career paths available in these industries. A big congratulations goes to Seminole Public Schools for receiving this grant from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.”

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.

“By offering aviation education programs, Seminole High School is making a real difference in the lives of its students.  We know that these educators are providing students with 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.