​Help Us Capture the Momentum: 2026 Choose Aerospace Outcomes Survey Now Open

As the Choose Aerospace program continues to grow, we’re beginning to see something we’ve been working toward since the start: real student outcomes.

Most partner schools began enrolling students in the 2022–2023 academic year, and now—just a few years later—those students are graduating and entering the aviation workforce and training pipeline. This year marks an important milestone for the program. For the first time, ATEC is formally surveying participating schools to capture outcomes data at scale. The survey has been sent to the primary point of contact at each program, and schools are encouraged to complete it by May 15.

Until now, much of what we’ve known about program impact has come from anecdotal data. Even so, those early insights point to strong results and meaningful student progression. Here are just a few of our success stories from the 2024-25 academic year:

At Putnam City Schools in Oklahoma, 4 of 5 students from the first graduating class in 2024 moved into aviation pathways. Students entered roles with AAR, enrolled in part 147 programs, joined the military, and pursued college aviation tracks. Among last year's seniors, 10 of 11 passed the ATEC General Aviation Maintenance Credential. Internships translated into job offers, and employers consistently noted how well prepared these students were. The first Putnam City student to earn his full A&P certification (in February 2026) had three job offers as soon as his testing was complete.

At Metro Tech at Southeast High, the program enrolled 80 students in its first year. From that cohort, 15 advanced into a part 147 program, and 24 continued into a second year. One graduate secured a role with AAR while working toward an A&P through on-the-job training.

These examples from last academic year offer a promising snapshot of what’s possible. Now, ATEC is looking to build a more complete and consistent picture of outcomes across all programs for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Comprehensive survey responses will allow ATEC to move beyond anecdotal insights and formally demonstrate program impact—supporting grant funding, attracting industry investment, expanding employer partnerships, and strengthening pathways for students entering aviation maintenance careers.

If you received the survey, please take a few minutes to complete it by May 15. If you’d like us to reroute the request, please reach out.

The takeaway is simple: when students have a clear path and real industry connection, they move forward. With your help, we can capture that momentum and tell the full story.