High school curriculum now in 300 schools

That represents a 50-percent increase in the number of schools and a 22-percent increase in the number of states in which the curriculum will be taught compared to a year ago.

“Teachers love the curriculum, students love the curriculum, and they are learning valuable lessons to help them prepare for careers in the aviation industry,” said AOPA Foundation You Can Fly Executive Director Elizabeth Tennyson.

The science, technology, engineering, and math curriculum features pilot and drone pathways. Once students have completed the curriculum, they have learned the principles necessary to pass FAA knowledge tests. The curriculum is funded by donations to the AOPA Foundation and is provided free to schools.

AOPA trains and mentors educators who enroll to teach the curriculum through professional development workshops, ongoing teacher support, and peer interactions. One of the upcoming valuable professional development opportunities is through the 2021 AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Symposium presented by Boeing. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the one-day symposium will take place virtually November 16.

The virtual symposium is a perfect way to learn about the curriculum and delve deeper into aviation STEM education. Schools that might be interested in offering the curriculum in a future year should register for the symposium to network with educators who use the curriculum, learn about career opportunities from aviation industry experts, and gain valuable insight into how the program changes students’ lives. During the virtual symposium, educators from around the country will have the opportunity to learn as well as share their insights, ideas, and best practices for creating or growing aviation STEM programs.

youcanfly.aopa.org/high-school/symposium