Collegiate aviation students get free AOPA membership

AOPA and the Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSUD) are partners in a new Collegiate Alliance that will provide all incoming freshmen in the university’s aviation and aerospace science program with a free AOPA membership. With more than 500 students, MSUD’s program is one of the largest baccalaureate aviation and aerospace programs in the nation, and the largest in AOPA’s Northwest Mountain Region.

The alliance was created as a way for AOPA to collaborate with the collegiate aviation community to ensure the long-term health of the aviation industry by educating, supporting and preparing its future leaders. Through the new alliance, MSUD’s Aviation and Aerospace Science Department students will benefit from AOPA’s comprehensive suite of industry-leading resources and expertise. MSUD students will receive additional support to reinforce and improve their educational performance and career planning opportunities.

Additionally, as a collegiate alliance partner, MSUD will have the opportunity to receive either marketing, promotional or scholarship support aimed at enhancing and growing MSUD’s aviation and aerospace science program.

“AOPA is committed to the future of general aviation, and works with a variety of educational institutions, museums and other organizations to develop and grow the next generation of aviation enthusiasts and professionals through programs like AV8RS and partnerships with the Experimental Aircraft Association,” said AOPA Northwest Mountain Region Manager David Ulane, an alum of MSUD’s Aviation and Aerospace Science program.

Ulane participated in the university’s new aviation and aerospace new student orientation on Aug. 16, the only department-specific orientation conducted at the university. During the half-day event, incoming students heard from many industry experts on tools for success in their aviation careers, and Ulane introduced the students to their new memberships. Other participants in the event included Jeppesen CEO Mark VanTine and United Airlines Captain Mike McCasky.

For additional information on the AOPA Collegiate Alliance program, please contact Lauren Otto, Director of New Market Development at 301-695-2132 or via email.