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Training the trainers

High school curriculum continues to grow

August 1, 2024
Teachers from across the country gathered at AOPA headquarters in Frederick, Maryland, to become certified trainers for the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum.
Sixteen teachers from across the country attended a three-day workshop at the AOPA campus in Frederick, Maryland. Here, the teachers pose with AOPA's high school aviation initiative staff.
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Sixteen teachers from across the country attended a three-day workshop at the AOPA campus in Frederick, Maryland. Here, the teachers pose with AOPA's high school aviation initiative staff.

Since its launch in 2018 (following a full-year test in nearly 30 schools), the high school curriculum has grown quickly: It was deployed in 400 high schools in 43 states during the 2022–2023 school year, with more than 530 teachers helping more than 16,000 students get a running start on careers in aerospace and related fields. The program, supported by AOPA Foundation donors, has earned acclaim from educators, governments, and students, and continues to expand.

During the three-day workshop, the educators learned a new training model that they will implement in Washington, Florida, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, expanding the number of teachers now prepared to make the most of the curriculum which is provided at no cost to local districts. Teachers toured AOPA headquarters, went on discovery flights, and met AOPA team members to learn about AOPA resources that support high school programs.

Participants were encouraged to share their knowledge and experience with fellow educators in their regions and explore potential collaborations with neighboring schools and districts.

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

Photos from the event

  • Photos from the event
    High school educator George Anderson participated in a discovery flight.
  • Photos from the event
    High school educator Jason McMullen participates in a discovery flight with CFI Luz Beattie.
  • Photos from the event
    Educator Alyssa Horpedahl took a discovery flight with CFI Mike Filucci.
  • Photos from the event
    Photography by Rebecaa Boone.
  • Photos from the event
    High school educators including Jonas De Leon, Jason McMullen, and Derek Rowe (left to right) participate in hands-on exercises at the AOPA campus to help teach science, technology, engineering, and math skills related to aviation.
  • Photos from the event
    Glenn Ponas, AOPA director of high school outreach, addresses the teachers during a workshop at the AOPA campus to help teach science, technology, engineering, and math skills related to aviation.

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