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Choose Aerospace will provide over $40,000 worth of scholarships, textbooks, training systems, tools, and testing fee credits to educators and future aviators.
The non-profit organization, managed by the Aviation Technician Education Council, is in its fourth award season. This year's donors include Aeronautical Repair Station Association, Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA), Nida Corporation, AVOTEK, Aircraft Technical Book Company, CertTEC, Sonic Tools, and Northrop Rice Foundation. Newcomers this year are ARCS Aviation and Aviation Workforce Solutions, each providing cash awards. Choose Aerospace has shifted gears with their award and for the first time will be awarding $2,000 to two high schools that are interested in implementing the Choose Aerospace Curriculum. The scholarship will cover licensing fees for 10 students for one year. Eligible applicants must be planning to attend, enrolled at or teach in an aviation technical program. ATEC membership is not required but is a consideration for the review committee when selecting award recipients. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2023. If you or someone you know would like to serve on the review committee, please email tarra.ruttman@chooseaerospace.org.
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 As part of its ongoing effort to further aviation technical education, Choose Aerospace Executive Director Crystal Maguire joined Helicopter Association International (HAI), Southern Utah University, and other Utah-based educators, operators, and government stakeholders for an Aviation Workforce Development Roundtable in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The event, organized by US Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT-4), discussed ways to build on the success of HAI's Utah Rotor Pathway Program, an initiative created to address the shortage of helicopter pilots and maintenance professionals. The purpose of the roundtable, hosted by the Office of Aeronautics Division of the Utah Department of Transportation, was to identify federal resources available to support aviation workforce efforts. HAI's Rotor Pathway Program brings together industry, universities, and high schools to provide helicopter pilot and maintenance training at the high school level. Choose Aerospace was happy to join the conversation to share curriculum resources available to high school programs that wan to create aviation maintenance pathways for their students. As of today, 17 schools and 580 students are utilizing the Choose Aerospace aviation maintenance curriculum, putting individuals on a direct path to careers in aviation maintenance. Choose Aerospace was on of 56 recipients across Oklahoma to receive funding from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC), intended to help guide young minds toward aerospace and aviation careers. The funding will cover licensing fees for select Oklahoma schools adopting the Choose Aerospace curriculum.
The OAC has become a driving force behind the state’s investment in aerospace educational programs, vectoring students toward becoming aviators, engineers, mechanics, astronauts, and scientists. Fifty-six organizations were awarded Aerospace and Aviation Education Program grants totaling $451,157. Grants are for targeted learning programs that have a direct application to aerospace and aviation for primary through post-secondary education. The grant funds are part of the agency’s initiative to give more Oklahoma young people access to STEM careers in the aerospace and aviation industry. The agency’s Aerospace and Aviation Education Grant Program has been awarding aerospace and aviation education grants for over 30 years. Programs that are supported range from a dedicated 4-year high school curriculum such as the AOPA “You Can Fly” effort, to week-long summer camps offered by our major Universities, a build and fly drone racing competition, Tinker AFB Air and Space Show, a 2-year high school curriculum dedicated to teaching aircraft mechanics, activities and tours at various airports across the system, engineering fairs and many others. These programs along with Commission staff will help foster students’ interest in the industry and encourages them to consider aerospace or aviation as a career. Based on projections, the programs that have been awarded funding will reach nearly 50,000 students across the state. The initiative supports the Oklahoma Works project that aims to address the skills gap and connect students to programs that will help build the workforce of Oklahoma’s second-largest industry. Choose Aerospace is proud to announce its slate of 2022 scholarship and award recipients. This year, a host of partner organizations sponsored over $50,000 worth of scholarships, textbooks, tool sets, training systems, and testing fee credits for educators and future aviators. The entire slate of award winners are as follows:  Thanks to our generous donors To donate to the 2023 program, please visit: chooseaerospace.org/scholarship-donor-form
ATEC's foundational arm, Choose Aerospace, is piloting testing aviation maintenance curriculum for deployment in a high school setting. The computer-based content covers the general subject areas in emerging mechanic airman certification standards and provides a unique opportunity for part 147 schools looking to increase program awareness in their communities. The webinar, directed at a part 147 audience, will provide an overview of the curriculum, suggestions on how a part 147 program can structure matriculation agreements with high school partners, and a summary of what is required to adopt and implement the content.
For more information, visit https://www.chooseaerospace.org/curriculum.html. The Federal Aviation Administration Aviation and Space Education Airport Design Challenge registration opens November 1, 2021.
This annual competition is an opportunity for K-12 students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects to meet aviation professionals and learn about the aerospace industry and STEM concepts and careers. “The Airport Design Challenge is a perfect fit of science, technology, engineering and math which is so much a part of what we do at the FAA and so important to pass on to the next generation.” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. The Airport Design Challenge helps students use the Microsoft game Minecraft to design virtual airports based on guidance from FAA aerospace and engineering experts. Students will collaborate in small teams to learn about their local airports and to complete developmental tasks in Minecraft. During the five weeks of organized lesson plans, participants will cover topics ranging from airport layout, pavement and lighting to structures and innovative growth. Program facilitators will use weekly knowledge-check quizzes and screen shots of students’ designs to assess progress and provide feedback. “The one thing that I found most intriguing about this whole program, was that the Airport Design Challenge allows students of all ages to compete at a global level, while also being able to have fun and learn at the same time,” said Arjun Saini a lead on Team Aireos, which placed in the top three during last year’s Challenge. Collaborative work between students, parents and facilitators will focus on applying STEM-based knowledge in math, engineering and career development. While participants are encouraged to form teams of up to five members, they may also participate individually. The virtual event is open to both U.S. and international students. Last year, approximately 800 students participated and many more are expected this year. The FAA Airport Design Challenge website has more information about the competition and how to register. In support the FAA’s Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force, Choose Aerospace is asking its members help distribute an educator survey developed by the Task Force’s Trends Subcommittee. If your organization is, and/or has relationships with K-12 institutions or programs, please forward the following request in support of the group’s objective to encourage high school students to pursue careers in aviation:
Dear Educator, The Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force (YIATF) needs your help. YIATF is an advisory group established to provide the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with recommendations that will encourage students to pursue in-demand careers in aviation. The group is examining trends that directly or indirectly encourage or discourage young people from pursuing aviation careers. To assist the Task Force in understanding the role of the educator and what recommendations would best support the goal, the group would like your input. To participate in the survey, visit: https://forms.gle/NfH3AHY3U8Doe1An9 We greatly appreciate your assistance on this important effort. While responses from post-secondary education is welcome, the Task Force is especially interested in feedback from the K-12 community. We certainly appreciate our members passing the request along to their local partners in education. Pathways to Aviation, a non-profit organization that provides workforce solutions through informing, inspiring, and engaging its future labor force hosted a workshop dedicated to scholarships. Choose Aerospace Scholarship Coordinator Tarra Ruttman sat in as a guest speaker and shared tips on how to prepare and complete scholarship applications as well as insight on what scholarship reviewers look for in an applicant. Choose Aerospace is proud to announce its slate of 2021 scholarship and award recipients including two students, hailing from Liberty University and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA), who claimed the top cash award.
Angelo Cosentino of Liberty University and Julio Lorenti of PIA were each granted $2,500 to pursue their aviation careers. Lorenti is in the third of four semesters toward completing his Aviation Maintenance studies while Cosentino, from Pittsburgh, PA, is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology: Flight and Maintenance. “Funding the education of deserving aviation students and leaders is one of the most important missions for this organization,” said Choose Aerospace President Ryan Goertzen. “The industry has a daunting task to meet workforce demand projections, and it is our privilege to encourage students to choose aerospace careers through our scholarship program.” “I’ve been drawn to mechanics since I was young since my father is a diesel mechanic,” Cosentino said. “After 15 years working in the accounting world, I decided to take my love for mechanics and passion for nuances and explore the world of aviation. My ambition is to maintain my relentless pursuit of perfection and strive to make aviation and my community a better place. I want to give my daughter an example to follow and opportunities to do better and achieve more.” Cosentino joined the aviation industry in middle school when he became a member of Civil Air Patrol inspired by his first commercial flight. “I gained a desire to serve others with aviation through the Civil Air Patrol which ultimately led me to pursue both pilot and mechanic certificates. My career path, which includes aerial survey or public safety sectors of aviation, provide a unique opportunity to accomplish by goals of helping others.” He expects his studies to help him develop as a mechanic and an aviator. He is a student ambassador for the school’s aeronautics program where he worked with a fellow aviator and Associate Dean Dr. Mitchell Morrison, to develop future leaders in all aspects of aviation and sharing aviation with those in our community. He assists the student-led High Flight Mentoring Program as a Lead Mentor, counseling mentors as they tutor and coach underclassmen and new students. Cosentino is also a Safety Officer for our National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) flight team and a student representative on the Safety Committee. Lorenti is pursuing an Aviation Maintenance Technology degree and is driven to success by his small daughter who inspires him to be the best he can including becoming class president despite only joining PIA in January. He also formed a collaborative study group which he credits for his 3.85 GPA and his place on the directors list. “Since being class president, I have been invited to sit in on additional meetings such as the accreditation meeting,” he wrote of his experiences and how they helped his success. “I always take advantage of these opportunities as they give me the chance to get to know people in the field of aviation and hopefully put me in a good place when searching for my career path in the future. I became an ambassador for PIA through their Instagram page, which is helping to promote the school through social media. Most recently, I got a part-time job with Ryder Jet at the Hagerstown Regional Airport helping refuel and park planes. Between work and school, I am fully committed to the field of aviation.” This year, a host of partner organizations sponsored $37,000 worth of scholarships, textbooks, tool sets, training systems, and testing fee credits for educators and future aviators. Scholarship donors include the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA), Snap-On, Nida Corporation, AVOTEK, Aircraft Technical Book Company (ATBC) and CertTEC. The entire slate of award winners are as follows: Choose Aerospace $2500 Scholarship Julio Lorenti, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics – Hagerstown Angelo Cosentino, Liberty University ARSA $1000 Scholarship Fawn Carrington, Tulsa Technology Center ASA $1000 Scholarship Jared Vigar, Purdue University Daniel Kicinski, Liberty University Snap-On Tool Set Temitayo Afolayan, Connecticut Aero Tech School Avotek AMT Series Textbooks Nicholas Alatis, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Eric Zamora, George T. Baker Aviation Technical College Abigail Carreiro, Cape Cod Community College Ethan Sprague, Northland Community and Technical College Tanner Empey, Southern Utah University ATBC EASA Part 66 Study Set Amber VanEvera, Liberty University Ahmed Assoul, Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Fremont Gardenia Davis Lopez, Honolulu Community College Makana Mai Kalani Smith, Honolulu Community College ASA A&P Textbook & eBook Set Kelly Quillman, Tulsa Technology Center Avotek Avionics Textbook Set Oluwaseun Ajayi, Broward College Robert Delghiaccio, Teterboro School of Aeronautics Reminton Prentice, Lansing Community College Kyla Wilson, Eastern Florida State College Caleb Scott, Southern Illinois University Carbondale CertTEC AET Certification Exam Testing Scholarship Lillia Farr, Letourneau University Sebastian Parker, Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Freemont Vinicius Ribeiro, Teterboro School of Aeronautics ATBC A&P Textbook Set David White Jr., Honolulu Community College Kayla Klopman, Broward College Brin Barnett, Southern Utah University Nida Training System Des Moines Public Schools Avotek Dale Hurst Memorial Instructor Scholarship David Ortiz, Central New Mexico Community College Congratulations to all the award winners and thank you to our generous sponsors. Look for the 2022 Choose Aerospace scholarship applications to open in December!  2021 ARSA Scholarship winner Fawn Carrington The following article was originally published on arsa.org, and reprinted with permission from author and ARSA Vice President of Operations, Brett Levanto. The student scholarship was funded by ARSA and facilitated through the Choose Aerospace award program.
In September, ARSA awarded its 2021 scholarship to Fawn Carrington of Tulsa Technology Center. Carrington is an Air Force veteran committed to aviation education for life. The grant is part of Choose Aerospace’s 2021 Aviation Maintenance Scholarship and Award Program. ARSA and its partner organizations combined tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of scholarships, textbooks, training systems and testing fee credits for educators and future aviators. Carrington took the time to tell the repair station community about what’s gotten her this far and where she hopes to go. Her story reflects gratitude for the help she’s gotten and commitment to the lifelong learning needed for success in the constantly-evolving aviation world. (1) What made you decide to pursue aviation maintenance training? Having contributed nine years to supporting the United States Air Force as a munition’s systems technician, I was privileged to see what is involved to ensure aircraft have what they need to complete their missions safely. I was impressed with the aircraft maintenance technicians from the first time I witnessed them hard at work. I became intrigued with the jobs they had and developed a respect for their dedication and unwavering work ethic. (2) What experience or experiences did you have before you started at Tulsa Tech that have been most valuable to you during school? I learned to be mechanically inclined as a teenager working on my first vehicles. I would obtain the service manuals and figure out how to do my own maintenance. Having this experience has helped me to work through my school projects with ease and to help others along the way. (3) What have you found to be most surprising/unexpected about AMT school? The most surprising is the usage of math in many areas of aircraft maintenance. The math is learnable, even by those who think they are “not good at math.” Everyone I have seen from all levels of experience have been able to excel at the work given. (4) Other than becoming an ARSA member, what are your goals for life after school? It is my goal to continue my aviation education for life whilst serving the industry in any way I can. I have an A.S. in Aerospace Administration and intend to complete my B.S. in Aviation Science following my Airframe and Powerplant certifications. (5) To help ARSA’s members understand the value of the scholarship, tell us about the expenses you have to cover while at school. Receiving ARSA’s 2021 scholarship has made me proud and grateful as it nearly covers my final tuition needed to complete the aviation powerplant program on schedule. The reward allows me more time to focus on my studies for upcoming certification exams. (6) If you learned that someone was considering school/career choices and they asked you about aviation maintenance, what would you say? If anyone has a curiosity or passion for aviation, whether they intend to obtain their private pilot’s license or not, should pursue an aviation maintenance program. It is as fun and useful as it is interesting to learn about the aerodynamics and practices involved in making these flying machines fly. The aircraft we have flying today are truly amazing and the learning never stops with changes in technology and the progress our community is making with NextGen. To learn more about the Choose Aerospace Scholarships and Awards Program, click here. For more information on ARSA’s broader efforts to support industry career development, visit arsa.org/workforce. Want to congratulate Fawn? Recruit her? Learn more about how to find great candidates like her? Contact ARSA for a referral. |
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