Hundreds of teachers attend AOPA high school symposium

The symposium, held November 16 through 18, offers the opportunity for schools that use the foundation's free High School Aviation STEM Curriculum—and those interested in adopting it—to connect with fellow educators and explore new tools and methods that bring aviation to life for their students.

“This year’s symposium was our most exciting yet,” said AOPA Foundation You Can Fly Vice President Dan Justman. “From inspiring speeches from incredible aviators to breakout sessions focused on incorporating aviation into the classroom in new ways—and hearing from teachers and students about their experience in the program—everyone who came was able to learn something they can take back home to their students.”

Breakout sessions at the symposium included:

• Practical strategies for incorporating drones into the classroom.
• A firsthand look at how one school built its aviation program, featuring both a teacher and a student.
• Approaches to incorporating artificial intelligence into aviation programs.
• An “Ask Me Anything” session with experienced aviation educators.

This year’s symposium comes as the AOPA Foundation’s High School Initiative achieved several milestones for the 2025-2026 school year:

• The curriculum is now being used in all 50 states for the first time.
• More than 1,500 schools are served by the curriculum—the largest number ever.
• More than 32,000 students are enrolled in aviation courses at those schools in the current semester—and more than 130,000 students have participated since the program began.

“We’re really excited about the growth we’ve experienced since launching this program a decade ago,” said AOPA Foundation and Programs Senior Vice President Elizabeth Tennyson. “Schools are recognizing the value of our curriculum. Students are highly engaged with the lessons.”

“This isn’t just about making class more interesting for teenagers,” added Justman. “We're setting them up for success in life. Two-thirds of program graduates say they will pursue a career in aviation—whether as pilots, engineers, mechanics, and more.”

“Our generous donors are excited to support the next generation of aviators,” said Tennyson. “Their philanthropic investment ensures that any school—no matter the size or budget—can offer world-class aviation education at no cost.”

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 www.aopafoundation.org/donate.