A decade of inspiration
Annual symposium is another success
The symposium is geared toward educators who do not necessarily have a background in aviation, empowering them to introduce students to the various career possibilities in the field. There’s high demand for aerospace engineers, scientists, aircraft and powerplant mechanics, and pilots, of course. The symposium has also become an important professional development resource. Prominent speakers across the aviation industry shared their expertise and experience for educators to use in their classrooms.
This year’s symposium counted 50 exhibitors, 50 speakers, and 450 registered visitors, two of whom came from as far away as Thailand. Aviation bootcamps on the first day were standing-room only.
Dan Justman, vice president of the AOPA Foundation’s You Can Fly program, welcomed participants and introduced airshow legend Sean D. Tucker, who inspired the audience with valuable insights based on his experience running the Bob Hoover Academy. The event continued with more than 30 breakout sessions, including new-to-the-program presentations on “How to Find and Cultivate Financial Support for Your Program: Fundraising and Grants 101,” “Implementing Career and Technical Education Programs of Study: A Regulatory and Practical Guide,” and “Beyond the Classroom: How Do You Convince Your District to Engage in Crewed and Unmanned Flight?”
On Tuesday, U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh, the reigning Miss America, was the keynote speaker at the closing general session and impressed the audience with her motivating story of overcoming several obstacles to reach her career goal.
Since its inception in 2017, the AOPA Foundation’s High School Aviation STEM curriculum has generated enthusiasm in schools and classrooms across the country. It is currently serving students in 570 programs in 48 states. This year alone, 29,600 students are enrolled, and the program has helped more than 97,200 students to date. Of its graduates, 63 percent aspire to a career in aviation, 23 percent are women, and 43 percent are minority background.
The next symposium is slated to be held in Indianapolis in 2025. 
youcanfly.aopa.org/high-school/high-school-curriculum
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