April 9, 2026

What a Month!

I want to take a moment to recognize what has been an incredible month for the Choose Aerospace community.

In March, Choose Aerospace was named Grand Laureate in the MRO category at Aviation Week’s Laureate Awards—one of the highest honors in aviation. This recognition reflects the strength of a program that gives high school students a clear pathway toward FAA mechanic certification and meaningful careers in aviation maintenance. And in that group… is us. And that means you.

This month, we also presented the first Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award to Brandi Peace of Tri-County Tech. This award honors Dr. Tammera Holmes, founder of Aerostar Avion Institute, whose life’s work focused on opening doors for young people—especially those from high-risk environments—through aviation. Brandi represents that same commitment: meeting students where they are and helping them see what’s possible..

We also saw something remarkable on the competition floor. Three Choose Aerospace programs competed at the Aviation Maintenance Competition at VERTICON—and Rising Aviation High School earned top overall team honors, outperforming not only student teams, but commercial and military competitors as well. That’s what this work makes possible.

At the ATEC Annual Conference in Portland, Choose Aerospace programs were well represented across sessions and conversations shaping the future of the industry.

It’s been a remarkable stretch—recognition at the highest levels of aviation, a legacy honored through the next generation of educators, students proving they belong on the biggest stages, and a community continuing to grow and lead.

Now we’re heading into the final stretch of the school year. Credential testing, end-of-year wrap-up, and planning for what comes next are right in front of us. It’s time to finish strong—and get ready to do it again.

If this month is any indication, the future is in very good hands.

Kelly Filgo

Director of Operations

Students Win Big at VERTICON

Three Choose Aerospace programs competed on the national stage—and Rising Aviation High School took the top spot, outperforming professional teams. With support from partners like Southwest Airlines, these students proved they belong among the best in aviation. Read more.

Honoring a Legacy: The Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award

This year, Choose Aerospace recognized Brandi Peace of Tri-County Tech as the first recipient of an award honoring the life and legacy of aviation pioneer Dr. Tammera Holmes—a champion for youth and a powerful force for change in our industry. Read more.

ATEC Annual Conference Recap: Momentum and a Tipping Point

From packed breakout sessions to growing demand from Part 147 schools, this year’s ATEC Conference showed that momentum for high school aviation pathways is stronger than ever. Read more.

Partner Pathways: What's Next After Graduation?

Discover how your Choose Aerospace students can leverage experience into real advantages at Part 147 schools—through credit and financial support. Read more.

Choose Aerospace Named MRO Grand Laureate

Choose Aerospace was named a Grand Laureate at Aviation Week’s 68th Annual Laureate Awards—one of the industry’s highest honors recognizing transformative achievements across aerospace. This recognition places our work alongside groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of aviation. Read more.

Aviation Institute of Maintenance Announces New ‘Test-Out’ Policy to Grant Transfer Credits for Choose Aerospace Curriculum

Aviation Institute of Maintenance has introduced a new test-out policy allowing students who complete the Choose Aerospace curriculum to earn transfer credit toward A&P training. The competency-based approach enables students to demonstrate knowledge and receive credit, reducing both time and tuition required to complete their program and enter the workforce. Read more.

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

September 22-25. 2026: Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) Fly-In | Washington, DC

April 4-7, 2027: 2027 ATEC Annual Conference | Wichita, KS

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.

Industry Opportunities

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

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

​​​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

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. 

MROs See Growing Soft-Skills Gap Among New Hires

High School MRO Students Outperform Professionals

Danville aviation maintenance program aims to train a workforce for an in-demand industry

Federal Grant Will Boost Aviation Training at WMU

Capito Secures CDS Allocation for Marshall University Aviation

SCTCC Gets $1.15 Million for Aircraft Maintenance Technician Training

Butler Tech celebrates opening of Aviation Center at Middletown Regional Airport

Hillsboro Aero Academy Receives FAA Diamond Award for Aviation Maintenance Training Excellence

WSU Tech marks construction milestone on aviation training center

Duncan Aviation gift establishes first endowed professorship in WMU College of Aviation

Colorado trade school campus creates growing opportunities for female students

Grand Laureates Announced At Aviation Week’s 68th Annual Laureate Awards

Central Piedmont, PSA Airlines launch partnership to strengthen aviation workforce pipeline

CSM To Launch State’s First Aviation Maintenance Technology Program By Fall 2027