​Choose Aerospace and SKILLED Nation are calling on industry partners to help fund the next round of scholarships for students pursuing careers in aviation maintenance.

Demand for scholarship support continues to far exceed available funding. During the last scholarship cycle, 586 eligible students from 44 states and more than 120 school campuses applied for assistance, but funding was available for just 20 recipients. Nearly three-quarters of applicants came from households earning less than $75,000 annually, underscoring the financial barriers many aspiring technicians face as they work toward their careers.

For the 2027 program, scholarships will be awarded in $5,000 increments, providing students with meaningful support toward the cost of their aviation maintenance education.

Industry partners interested in funding a full scholarship are encouraged to commit $5,000 by September 30. Contributions of less than $5,000 are also welcome and will be combined with other industry contributions to fund additional $5,000 student awards. Every contribution helps expand the number of students the program can support.

By investing in these students today, industry partners are helping remove financial barriers to training while strengthening the pipeline of skilled aviation maintenance professionals our industry will depend on tomorrow.

If you have questions about supporting the scholarship fund, contact us. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is encouraging K–12 educators to take advantage of aerospace education programs and resources available for the 2026–2027 school year.

Through its STEM Aviation and Space Education (STEM AVSED) program, the FAA provides opportunities for educators to introduce students to aviation, engineering, airport operations, emerging technologies and the many careers that support the nation's aerospace system.

Among the opportunities highlighted for the new school year are:

• Aerospace Workforce Educator Pilot Program: A new initiative for educators serving students in grades 3–5. Ten educators will receive ready-to-use aerospace lessons, classroom materials, interactive activities, FAA staff support and resources connecting classroom learning with aerospace workforce pathways.
• FAA Adopt-a-School Program: Connects FAA professionals with local schools for classroom visits, career exploration and aerospace-focused learning.
• Airport Design Challenge: Gives K–12 students an interactive way to explore aviation, engineering and airport planning by designing airports using Minecraft™.
• FAA ACE Academies: Summer programs offering hands-on aerospace experiences, mentorship and exposure to careers including pilots, engineers, aircraft technicians and air traffic controllers.

The FAA will also host an Aerospace Education Open Forum on September 23 at 4 p.m. ET, where educators can learn about resources and opportunities from the FAA and national partners including NASA, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals and the Academy of Model Aeronautics.

About FAA STEM AVSED
The FAA’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Aviation and Space Education (STEM AVSED) program provides resources and opportunities designed to inspire students to explore aviation and aerospace. Through educational programs, hands-on activities and connections with aviation professionals, STEM AVSED helps educators introduce students to the wide range of careers and pathways available across the industry.

Learn more about FAA STEM AVSED
View FAA Aerospace Education Opportunities for the 2026–2027 School Year