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Because of the generosity and inspiration of pilot and retired eye surgeon Ken Wolf, the AOPA Foundation Volunteer Program is being expanded in schools nationwide this fall.

“I’ve been fortunate in my life. I’m at the age in life where I have more money than time left so I started to think what can I do to share my love of aviation,” he said. “I had this idea that I would invite students out to the airport and tell them about aviation.”

After learning about AOPA’s high school program, Wolf approached the team with both a check and his enthusiasm. His idea has launched the AOPA Foundation Volunteer Program, which was tested in 12 schools in the 2025/2026 school year. Wolf is the model volunteer—he invites schools to bring a class to a nearby airport to show them his airplane. He then provides a live presentation about the interior and exterior workings of his airplane to the students and talks about the opportunities available in aviation.

“Having Mr. Wolf visit with his aircraft was such a wonderful experience,” said Amanda Burney, program specialist for Putnam Schools in Palatka, Florida. “He was so great with the students—the show and tell experience was very interactive. He asked students what they knew before he went into an explanation. He was very thorough and made sure he touched on many aspects of the curriculum they had covered in their class. Students walked away with real-world knowledge and an appreciation for a person who was passionate about aviation and wanting to share his passion with students.”

You don’t need an airplane to be a volunteer. Just be willing to share your knowledge and your story with students at a high school near you. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot, a passionate volunteer, or just getting started in aviation, you can help inspire and engage the next generation of aviators. You can be the key to their success.

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