Photo above – The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Aero Education program has been recognized twice by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), enjoying a positive reputation for investing millions in aerospace and aviation education programs statewide. The commission approved grants totaling $732,000 on Wednesday, Aug. 7, and will provide nearly $2 million in total to AOPA schools, aerospace programs, and aviation-centric organizations during the FY2025 budget year.
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) has announced a landmark investment of nearly $2 million in aerospace and aviation education program funding for Fiscal Year 2025. This substantial commitment highlights Oklahoma’s dedication to developing the next generation of aerospace professionals and continues the state’s tradition of aviation workforce excellence.
With a record number of grant applications and aviation high schools implementing high quality STEM based aerospace curriculum across the state; Oklahoma is set to continue leading the country in training the next generation of pilots, engineers, mechanics, technicians and other professionals that are critical to the safe operation of our National Airspace System. This funding also addresses the growing need for a skilled workforce in a sector crucial to the state’s economy, aerospace and defense, which contributes $44 billion annually as our second largest and fastest growing industry. 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.
Aero Education Program Framework for FY 2025:
- 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
Key Highlights of FY 2025 Funding:
- The FY 2025 competitive aerospace and aviation education program grant allocations support a wide range of educational and workforce development initiatives. This includes funding for extracurricular STEM activities, hands-on learning in coding and aeronautical principles, training for pilots and technicians, and drone building/racing. Significant support will also enhance STEM learning at major events like the Tinker Air Show and provide resources for innovative educational programs.
- As a part of these allocations 98 grants totaling $731,128 were awarded to various programs throughout the state in another record year for the Department. These programs will impact tens of thousands of students across Oklahoma with the goal of encouraging them to learn more about the opportunities available in the aerospace career field and better preparing them for their future educational studies.
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
FY25 Aviation High School Grant Awards:
