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And just like that…the end of the school year is in sight. It feels like we were just welcoming students into brand-new courses, figuring out schedules, and easing into the rhythm of the school year. And now? We’re staring down the final stretch.
One of the things I love most about this time of year is that it shows how far we’ve come. Students who once struggled with measurements are now reading manuals with confidence. Classrooms that were just getting organized are now humming with purpose. And many of you are watching students begin to take real, tangible steps toward aviation careers.
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That doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning, intention, and measured steps. And now is the time to take steps towards the end of this year and the start of the next.
It’s time to start working on:
- Collecting your success stories
- End of program student surveys
- ATEC General Aviation Maintenance Credential preparation
- Teacher training registration
- Annual curriculum applications
- License agreements for the upcoming year
We’ve got specific steps for you to take in a newsletter article below. None of this is meant to feel overwhelming — just intentional. The more we prepare now, the smoother the runway will be as we close out this school year and launch the next one.
So yes — “and just like that” we’re at planning season again. But we’re here together, and we’re ready for it.
As always, if you have questions about credential planning, applications, or anything else on the horizon, reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Let's finish strong,
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Kelly Filgo
Director of Operations
| | Now Open: Independent Study Registration | Enrollment is now open for the Choose Aerospace Independent Study program, offered in partnership with ATEC Academy and covering FAA Mechanic General subject areas. This fully online, 15-week program delivers approximately 150 hours of self-paced instruction through the Choose Aerospace LMS, supported by a certificated A&P instructor. Designed as a preparatory or supplemental pathway, participants who successfully complete the program and pass the comprehensive exam may earn the ATEC General Aviation Maintenance Credential. | CA Featured Program: Flight Expo Inc. | | | | From active ramps to real aircraft starts, Minnesota’s NextGen Aviation Program gives students hands-on experience alongside structured Choose Aerospace coursework. With strong industry and college partnerships, this first-year program is building a direct pathway into flight, maintenance, and military careers. See how four students are already charting their aviation futures. Read more. | | Photo Credit: Flight Expo, LLC | | Choose Aerospace End-of-Year Program Checklist | | |
As the academic year wraps up, Choose Aerospace is gathering program highlights and preparing for the 2026–27 academic year. Instructors and program administrators are asked to complete a few end-of-year items, including sharing student success stories, submitting program data, registering eligible students for the ATEC General Aviation Maintenance Credential, and confirming program participation for next year. Read more.
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March 9-11, 2026: The Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition at VERTICON | Atlanta, GA
March 19, 2026: Aviation Week Network's 68th Annual Laureate Awards | Washington, DC
March 29-April 1, 2026: ATEC Annual Conference, March 29, 2026 | Portland, OR
April 20-23, 2026: The Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition at MRO Americas | Orlando, FL
June 9-11, 2026: Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum Teacher Training, presented by Oklahoma Aerospace & Aeronautics | Tulsa, OK
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AAR has refreshed its excess inventory list and is once again making select aircraft parts and components available at no cost to eligible aviation maintenance programs.
The latest inventory (items listed from the first two tabs) is now available and can help programs:
- Enhance hands-on lab training
- Supplement shop inventory
- Reduce instructional supply costs
- Provide real-world component exposure for students
Programs are encouraged to review the updated list and submit requests while items are available here.
| Join Our Teachers' Lounge | Looking for a space to connect with fellow aviation educators? The Choose Aerospace Teachers’ Lounge on Facebook is your go-to community to share ideas, ask questions, exchange resources, and support one another as you grow your programs. | | |
American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) offers scholarships through the AAAE Foundation. The scholarships are offered to full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are attending any accredited college or university worldwide. Deadline March 13, 2026
The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation has, since its inception, awarded more than $1.5 million to students seeking careers in the aircraft electronics and aviation maintenance industry, as well as technicians from AEA member companies. Deadline April 1, 2026
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award provides scholarships annually to future and current aviation students. Deadline April 24, 2026
The GE Aerospace + Reagan Education Workforce Readiness Scholarship provides financial support to high school and college students enrolled in career and technical education programs, including apprenticeship and skills-based training pathways. Deadline May 1, 2026
California Capital Airshow offers scholarships supporting Career Technical Education, community college, and four-year college or university pathways. Opportunities are available for students pursuing aviation and related fields who reside in the seven-county Sacramento region (Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado, Sutter, Solano, Yolo, or Yuba County). Deadline May 1, 2026.
Regional Airline Association (RAA) provides scholarships annually to students pursuing a career in the airline industry. For 2023, three scholarships in the amount of $4,000 will be awarded to students pursuing a career in aviation. Deadline May 1, 2026
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California Apprenticeship Innovation Funding (AIF)
California’s Apprenticeship Innovation Funding (AIF) provides formula-based support to registered apprenticeship programs to expand capacity, strengthen training infrastructure, and increase apprentice enrollment in high-demand industries. Funding is available to eligible sponsors based on active apprentices and training hours, with applications open through April 17, 2026.
Oklahoma Perkins Innovation Grants
Oklahoma CareerTech’s Perkins Innovation Grants support creative CTE projects in areas like career pathways, emerging tech, industry partnerships, and instructor recruitment. Applications close May 6, 2026.
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