OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) is making an enormous investment in aerospace and aviation education programs for Fiscal Year 2025.
Aerospace and aviation education will receive $2 million from ODAA.
“Thanks to the vision and support of the Oklahoma Legislature and our state’s leadership, we are witnessing an exciting period of growth and innovation in aerospace and defense,” said Executive Director Grayson Ardies, ODAA. “Our educators are the cornerstone of this transformation, guiding and inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals. With a robust network of schools ready to take flight and the unwavering support from industry partners, Oklahoma is well-positioned to continue leading the nation in aerospace education and workforce development.”
The funds will go toward grants and STEM-based aerospace curriculums to train the next generation of pilots, engineers, mechanics, technicians and other airspace system professionals, according to ODAA officials.
The funding also addresses the growing need for skilled workers in Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry, which contributes $44 billion annually as the state’s second largest and fastest growing industry, ODAA officials said.
“The investment aims to build a robust talent pipeline and drive innovation to help the state’s goal of making this our number one industry,” ODAA officials said.
The Aero Education Program Framework for FY 2025 is as follows:
- Competitive Aerospace and Aviation Education Program Grants: $732,000
- Aerospace Classroom Laboratory Improvement Grant Program: $300,000
- ODAA Hosted/Partnered Education Events & Training: $225,000
- STEM Aerospace & Aviation Competitions & Aircraft Assembly Programs: $500,000
- ODAA Aerospace Industry Internship Program: $200,000
FY 2025 aerospace and aviation grant allocations support numerous educational and workforce development initiatives, including funding for extracurricular STEM activities, hands-on learning in coding and aeronautical principles, training for pilots and technicians and drone building/racing. STEM learning at major events like the Tinker Air Show and innovative educational programs will also receive significant support.
“Few things have been as impactful to Oklahoma schools as the recent growth of aviation education,” said Paula Kedy, Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager. “I am so proud to be part of the important work being done by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aerospace. With the support of the ODAA and by developing partnerships with local airports and industry leaders, Oklahoma schools are arming students to enter our state’s growing aerospace industry.”
Ninety-eight grants totaling $731,128 were awarded to programs throughout Oklahoma, impacting tens of thousands of students, enabling them to better explore opportunities in the aerospace field and preparing them for future educational endeavors.
Additional Education/Outreach/Workforce Development Grant Awards:
- Class Matters – $5,000
- Griffiss Institute Explorer Post 256 – $5,000
- Redeemed Flying Corps – $8,000
- STAAR Solutions – Tinker Air Show – $35,000
- Tulsa Air & Space Museum – $5,000
- Tulsa Community WorkAdvance / Madison Strategies Group – $10,000
- Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance – Space Week – $7,220
- Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance – STEM Shoppe – $1,150
Competitions & Events Grant Awards:
- FIRST – $7,500
- KISS Robotics – $10,500
- Oklahoma Science & Engineering Foundation First Lego League – $5,000
- Oklahoma State University – Speedfest – $19,650
Camps & Workshops Grant Awards:
- Cameron University – $2,455
- Fires Innovation Science & Technology Accelerator – $1,699
- Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport – $1,000
- Metro Technology Center – $5,650
- Ponca City Regional Airport – $8,500
- Rose State College – $3,310
- Route 66 Flight School Foundation – $1,830
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University – $10,000
- True Sky Credit Union Foundation/Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center – $11,000
- Tulsa Community College – $2,500
- University of Oklahoma Sooner Flight Academy – $40,000
Other School Program Grant Awards:
- Altus Public Schools – $9,000
- Claremore NJROTC – $2,699
- Dove Schools of Oklahoma – $5,000
- Dove Science Academy MS – $2,699
- Dove Science Academy HS – $2,039
- John Rex Middle School – $6,350
- Mercy School Institute – $2,500
- Moore Norman Technology Center – $6,000
- Olustee – Eldorado Public Schools (Elementary) – $2,699
- Olustee – Eldorado Public Schools (High School) – $2,175
- Pamela Hodson Elementary – $2,977
- Rattan Public Schools – $2,695
- Tulsa East Central High School – $5,300
- Tuskahoma Public School – $1,761
- Wyandotte Middle School – $2,700
Aviation High School Grant Awards:
- Ada City Schools – $15,000
- Ardmore High School – $3,000
- Bethany Public Schools – $7,594
- Bixby Public Schools – $7,750
- Blackwell High School – $9,000
- Bristow Public Schools – $6,050
- Broken Arrow Vanguard Academy – $7,500
- Broken Bow High School – $8,900
- Burns Flat-Dill City School District – $9,000
- Byng Public Schools – $8,050
- Chelsea High School – $8,500
- Chisholm High School – $2,000
- Collinsville Public Schools – $7,000
- Cushing High School – $2,000
- Deer Creek Public Schools – $1,850
- Durant Public Schools – $9,100
- Edmond Memorial High School – $10,000
- Edmond Santa Fe High School – $10,000
- Enid Public Schools – $15,000
- Grandfield Public Schools – $2,800
- Grove High School – $8,000
- Hugo High School – $7,500
- Indiahoma Public School – $8,000
- Jenks Freshman Academy – $3,320
- Ketchum Public School – $5,575
- Kingston Public School – $6,800
- Konawa Public Schools – $10,000
- Lexington High School – $9,500
- McAlester Public Schools – $10,000
- Miami Public Schools – $9,000
- Mid-Del Technology Center – $6,100
- Mustang High School – $5,900
- Newcastle High School – $5,500
- Norman Public Schools / Oklahoma Aviation Academy – $15,000
- Oilton High School – $5,000
- Oklahoma Christian Academy – $1,236
- Oklahoma Christian School – $8,325
- Okmulgee Public Schools – $3,000
- P91-Chase – $9,050
- Pauls Valley High School – $2,500
- Pawhuska High School – $6,800
- Perry High School – $9,000
- Piedmont Public Schools – $9,500
- Ponca City Public Schools – $12,000
- Putnam City Public Schools / Putnam City Aviation – $15,000
- Rejoice Christian School – $5,500
- Savanna Public Schools – $7,000
- Seminole High School – $2,690
- Silo High School – $5,985
- Stillwater Public Schools – $12,000
- Stonewall Public School – $6,500
- Stroud Public Schools – $5,000
- Tahlequah High School – $7,100
- Tri County Technology Center -$14,300
- Union Public Schools – $9,800
- Watonga Public Schools – $9,000
- Weatherford Public Schools – $13,000
- Wright City Public Schools – $10,495
- Wyandotte High School – $12,500
- Wynnewood High School – $5,000
