Alva High School granted funding by 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 an education grant for Alva High School for the "Aeronautics & Technology" program as they prepare for their third year administering the course. The program goal was to provide project-based learning about the history of flight, principles of flight, preparation for the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate/drones, rocketry, hot air balloons, aircraft accident investigation, and careers in aviation & aerospace. It was estimated that 30 students would participate and the commission granted the program $3,000.

"This program is helping expose students to the many career opportunities in STEM, particularly in the aerospace and aviation industry," said Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt. "It's now one of our top economic drivers, and I'm grateful Alva High School students are able to take advantage of this curriculum, giving them insight and sparking an interest in a field offering some of the best-paying jobs out there. This is great for these students, and great for Oklahoma."

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.

"I'm thrilled to learn that Alva High School in my House district is to receive a grant from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission to help fund their aeronautics and technology program," said Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee. "This rewards the hard work of the students and educators in this program. I'm also excited about the possibility of these students being equipped for a possible future job in aeronautics, one of the top growing fields in our state."

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.

"Alva High School is a third-time applicant and its aviation programming 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.