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It’s hard to believe how quickly the year has moved.
Not long ago, we were welcoming students into your programs. Now we are in the final stretch of the academic year, and progress is easy to see.
Across the Choose Aerospace community, you have helped students discover a future they may not have considered before. You have guided them through new skills, new ways of thinking, and growing confidence in their abilities. You have shown them a clear path forward.
This has been another record-setting year for course completions, with a 60% increase over last year. More importantly, students are making decisions about what comes next. Our early survey results show that they are enrolling in Part 147 schools, going straight to work after graduation, exploring military opportunities, and continuing their path into aviation maintenance with purpose.
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That happens because of the work you do every day.
Now it is time to look ahead.
If you are our primary contact at your organization, you should have recently received our Choose Aerospace End-of-Year Tasks email. Please take a few minutes to review it and complete those items as soon as possible. These steps help us close out this year well and prepare for the next group of students who will walk into your classrooms ready to learn.
For those planning to launch a new program, this is the time to take action. Submit your application, complete your license agreement, and reach out so we can support you in getting started.
In this issue, you will find more detail on preparing for the 2026–27 school year. We outline the key steps to get your program ready, along with updates to LMS content and a reminder about the program funding model changes shared earlier this spring. These updates are designed to support your work and improve the student experience.
There is a lot to be proud of this year. There is also important work ahead.
Let’s finish strong and get ready for what comes next.
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Kelly Filgo
Director of Operations
| | Showing Up: How Estella Cload Launched a Career in Aviation | From homeschooling in Cincinnati to walking into her first job at Duncan Aviation, Estella Cload’s journey into aviation maintenance was shaped by curiosity, determination, and the right opportunities at the right time. Through Choose Aerospace, she gained the confidence and foundation to succeed in Part 147 training and launch her career. Today, she’s not only building her future, but she’s also proof of what’s possible when students are given access to aviation pathways early. Read more. | Building an Aviation Pathway at WSU Tech | |
WSU Tech is delivering its Aviation Maintenance General program through the Choose Aerospace curriculum as a dual credit model with high schools, giving students a head start on certification and careers in aviation maintenance.Students build foundational skills, receive ongoing support from a certified A&P technician, and are prepared to complete their FAA Aviation Maintenance General exam—often continuing into WSU Tech’s full program to complete their certifications. Read more.
| Complete the Choose Aerospace Outcomes Survey | As early Choose Aerospace cohorts begin graduating, schools are already reporting strong student outcomes—including placements into part 147 programs, aviation industry roles, military pathways, and aviation credential achievement. Choose Aerospace is now surveying participating schools to better capture program impact across the growing network. Schools are encouraged to complete the survey this week. Read more. | End-of-Year-Tasks: What To Do Now | Check your inbox for the End-of-Year Tasks message from Kelly and act on surveys, credential registration, and next year’s application and agreements. A few key steps now will set you up for a strong 2026–27. Read more. | Choose Aerospace has released updates for the 2026–27 academic year, including refreshed program models and new content enhancements designed to better support aviation maintenance pathways for students and schools. Read more. | | |
June 9-11, 2026: Choose Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Curriculum Teacher Training, presented by Oklahoma Aerospace & Aeronautics | Tulsa, OK
September 22-25. 2026: Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) Fly-In | Washington, DC
March 15-18, 2027: The Competition at VERTICON | Anaheim, CA
April 4-7, 2027: 2027 ATEC Annual Conference | Wichita, KS
April 12-15, 2027: The Competition at MRO Americas | Orlando, FL
| | 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. Read more. | | |
Women in Corporate Aviation is a premier 501(C)(3) non-profit premier mentoring association for professionals in corporate and business aviation. Providing networking, mentoring, scholarships and educational opportunities for current and future corporate/business aviation professionals. Deadline May 30, 2026
Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM) has scholarship opportunities for potential and current students, those transitioning from the military, and for guys too! Each year the AWAM awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to multiple recipients. Their scholarship program supports the diverse skills required in the field of Aviation Maintenance. Opportunities are available for students, instructors and the current workforce. Deadline June 1, 2026
The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) Center for Aviation Education & Research's “Henry O.” Scholarship awards $2,500 to three college students continuing their education in the aviation or aerospace industry. Deadline June 5, 2026
Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) Aviation Scholarship promotes and assists in make aviation as a career choice and to make students aware of the opportunities in the air cargo industry. Deadline September 1, 2026
The mikeroweWORKS Foundation’s Work Ethic Scholarship Program provides scholarships for the next generation of skilled workers looking to get trained for jobs that are in demand. All aircraft-mechanics-in-training are invited to apply. Open until October 31, 2026
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Colorado Perkins Innovation Grants
Colorado’s “Innovations in CTE” grants support creative CTE projects focused on workforce development, career pathways, industry partnerships, and program innovation. Eligible entities may submit projects of up to $250,000 for consideration. The annual proposal cycle typically opens in mid-March, with proposal reviews and awards occurring between May 15 and June 30 for implementation beginning around July 1.
Texas Perkins State Leadership Grants
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is accepting proposals for Perkins State Leadership Grants supporting high-demand credentials, CTE educator recruitment and retention, curriculum development, and workforce-aligned innovation projects for the 2025–2026 cycle. Current RFAs remain active through August 31, 2026.
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