In response to the shortage of pilots, aerospace engineers, air traffic controllers, and more, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is inviting school administrators, guidance counselors, and aviation program directors to attend the first symposium of the AOPA Aviation Education Leadership Alliance, a daylong event to take place Nov. 9 at the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland, Florida.
The Aviation Education Leadership Alliance is part of AOPA’s High School Aviation Initiative — a new program that aims to strengthen aviation education in high school STEM programs.
The agenda includes discussions on:
- How aviation courses can help increase student achievement and graduation rates;
- Why incorporating aviation studies into existing STEM curriculum will help students become more successful and career-ready;
- Resources available to help launch an aviation studies programs; and
- How others educators are using aviation to spark interest in STEM.
The luncheon will feature a keynote address by Barrington Irving, a pilot, educator, and the 2012 National Geographic Emerging Explorer. Irving flew solo around the world in a custom-built Columbia 400 in 2007. He is a speaker and aviation advocate who has ignited the aspirations and enthusiasm of many students through his nonprofit organization, Experience Aviation.
View the full agenda and register for the symposium on the AOPA High School Aviation Initiative webpage, or contact the program by email. Registration cost is $50.