ATEC has released the official agenda for the 2026 ATEC Annual Conference, scheduled for March 29–April 1 in Portland and sponsored by Alaska Air Group. The newly published program highlights the critical role of pre-certification and secondary aviation programs, with multiple sessions designed to support Choose Aerospace partners as essential contributors to the aviation maintenance workforce pipeline.

​Breakout sessions will be published as speakers are confirmed, with several sessions pertinent to Choose Aerospace programs, including:

• Discover Choose Aerospace – A focused look at curriculum implementation, lesson planning, and building cost-effective labs to support secondary aviation maintenance pathways.
• High School Pipeline Program Spotlight – A real-world example of how industry, school districts, and Choose Aerospace are working together to prepare students for Part 147 programs.
• Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools Utilizing Choose Aerospace – A panel featuring Part 147 programs sharing how they leverage Choose Aerospace to strengthen recruitment and outreach.
• From Vision to Flight: Building an Aerospace Academy – A case study on launching and scaling a district-level aerospace academy that includes an ATEC technician pathway.

In addition to these sessions, ATEC 2026 features leadership keynotes, workforce pipeline discussions, and breakout tracks spanning administration, instruction, regulation, and pathways. Choose Aerospace partners are encouraged to review the agenda and consider attending ATEC 2026 to connect with educators, industry leaders, and policymakers shaping the future of aviation maintenance education.

Choose Aerospace and the SkillPointe Foundation today announced the launch of the Choose Aerospace SkillPointe Scholarship, a new program providing $50,000 in financial assistance to aspiring aviation maintenance technicians. Funded through generous contributions from the aviation maintenance community, the scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing FAA mechanic certification and to strengthen the pipeline of talent entering the industry.

The Choose Aerospace SkillPointe Scholarship supports individuals who are planning to attend or are currently enrolled in aviation technical post-secondary programs. Awards of $2,500 will be applied directly toward tuition and are supported by contributions from Aeronautical Repair Station Association, Alaska Airlines, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Aviation Supplies & Academics, Aviation Workforce Solutions, Republic Airways, Trades Workforce Foundation, and US Aviation Academy. In addition to these cash awards, community partners have provided more than $30k in in-kind support, including textbooks, tools, training materials, and certification exam fee vouchers. Organizations interested in supporting this initiative are encouraged to contact Choose Aerospace to learn more about contributing to the scholarship program.

As part of this partnership, applicants and awardees will gain not only financial assistance but also access to an expanding network of employers and training providers actively seeking aviation maintenance students and professionals.

“This scholarship builds a direct workforce pipeline between training providers and the employers who urgently need aviation maintenance talent,” said Ryan Goertzen, President of Choose Aerospace and Vice President of Workforce Development at AAR. “Through our partnership with the SkillPointe Foundation, we’re expanding access to aviation maintenance technician pathways for students while supporting the workforce strategies of airlines, MROs, and aviation employers across the country.”

The SkillPointe Foundation—widely recognized for its leadership in expanding access to high-demand skills training—has awarded more than 2,000 vocational scholarships nationwide. Its mission aligns closely with Choose Aerospace’s commitment to creating accessible, attainable pathways into aviation careers. By providing meaningful student funding, the two organizations aim to further break down barriers that can prevent individuals from pursuing technical training.

“Aviation keeps America moving, and skilled technicians keep aircraft flying,” said Alvin Townley, Founding CEO of SkillPointe Foundation. “We are proud to partner with our fellow non-profit, Choose Aerospace, to unlock student potential and build talent pipelines for this vital industry. SkillPointe Scholarship partnerships like this truly matter because 75% of our recipients say they would have struggled—or been entirely unable—to complete training without financial support.”

The aviation maintenance sector continues to face a nationwide shortage of qualified professionals. By focusing on students and providing direct financial support, the new scholarship initiative strengthens the workforce pipeline at its entry point—enabling more learners to complete training, enter the profession, and meet the industry’s growing demand.

All individuals pursuing aviation technical education are encouraged to apply, with priority consideration given to students enrolled at Aviation Technician Education Council member institutions. Award details and the application are available at www.chooseaerospace.org/scholarship.
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Applications are due March 1, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be announced in early March, and funds will be disbursed directly to training institutions or approved vendors on behalf of awardees.