AOPA, California Aeronautical University renew partnership

"AOPA is excited to continue collaborating with CAU to grow the pilot population," said AOPA Senior Vice President of Marketing Jiri Marousek. "The resurgence in aviation is being driven by a new generation of students who are entering a wide array of aviation careers. CAU's support for our high school initiatives are especially important as we help young people find their way into this exciting field.”

Aligning with the university's efforts to expose youth to aviation, CAU will again be sponsoring AOPA's annual High School Symposium in Louisville, Kentucky, Nov. 5 and 6. The event brings together aviation and aerospace educators who work in high schools nationwide. The symposium is a great opportunity to introduce educators to new opportunities for students as high schools around the country implement ninth-grade courses and field test tenth-grade courses in AOPA’s aviation STEM curriculum.

The High School Initiative is part of AOPA’s You Can Fly umbrella program, which also includes initiatives to support flying clubs, encourage best practices in flight training, get lapsed pilots back in the air, and bring AOPA's resources and expertise to pilot groups across the country.

"Our partnership is a great venue to raise the visibility of aviation careers and aviation education options with this key audience," said CAU President Matthew Johnston. "With a looming pilot shortage worldwide, we need to work together with members of the aviation community to bring more young people into aviation education and aviation careers."

In addition to supporting AOPA’s High School Initiative, CAU announced the California Aeronautical University Dreams Take Flight Scholarship. One high-school senior will receive funding to cover all tuition and fees, including flight requirements, for CAU’s Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics. The current educational value is estimated at $151,650.

"Through our work with AOPA, we hope to engage high school students and career counselors in ways that bring aviation career paths to the forefront," says Johnston. "We need to promote the idea that becoming a professional pilot is within reach and not just a dream anymore."

The You Can Fly program is entirely funded by charitable donations to the AOPA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. To be a part of the solution, visit www.aopafoundation.org/donate.