Oklahoma Aviation Academy

Oklahoma Aviation Academy

Norman Public Schools opens new academy aimed at preparing students for careers in aviation and other STEM

BY: LINDSAY CUOMO

Over 100 students began taking classes at OU’s Max Westheimer Airport this fall. These stu dents are part of the inaugural class of the Okla homa Aviation Academy at Norman Public Schools. NPS opened the new public-school academy to help prepare the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals.

The academy, which is open to Norman students as well as students from surrounding communities, utilizes cur riculum from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Associa tion (AOPA) to blend STEAM experiences and industry connections with Oklahoma academic standards.

Students have the opportunity to graduate with a pri vate pilot license and two years of coursework com pleted towards a bachelor’s degree in aviation, as well as certifications in UAS (drones). Other opportunities include an industry certification as an aviation main tenance technician and courses in computer science, cybersecurity and engineering.

“We have all types of students,” shared Terry Adams, director of the academy. “20 percent of our students qualify for special education services, 25 percent are fe male, and 30 percent qualify for free or reduced lunch, but every student is engaged in aviation and that is the anchor point that keeps the students highly engaged.”

The idea for the academy was brought to Superinten dent Dr. Nick Migliorino and other NPS board mem bers last November by ACORN Growth Companies managing partner and University of Oklahoma Regent Rick Nagel.

“Ever since the idea took root, everyone we’ve come in contact with, from OU to Moore Norman Technology Center to industry partners, has been enthusiastic and supportive of the academy,” Migliorino said.

Through his work on the Board of Governors for the Aero space Industries Association (AIA) and the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce, Nagel is acutely aware of the critical demand for a highly skilled and trained work force, especially in the areas of aviation and aerospace.

“Aviation is a $44 billion industry, the second largest and fastest growing industry in the state of Oklahoma,” Adams confirmed. “There is a severe shortage of skilled workers in all areas of the industry.”

Given the assets and community partners within NPS, plans were quickly underway to start the Oklahoma Aviation Academy in less than a year.

“The University of Oklahoma and its various people and programs have been instrumental in getting the academy started, as has the Norman Economic Development Co alition,” shared Migliorino. “We are incredibly thankful for the community partners who have been part of OAA since the beginning. We are able to connect students with partners in various areas like higher education, career tech and industry, providing them multiple pathways to follow after graduation.”

“We knew we could help fill gaps in the industry,” Adams added. “Everyone I talk to in the industry wishes there was something like this around when they were in high school.”

Currently, most students spend half of their day attend ing classes at the airport surrounded by the day-to-day activities of the public-use runways owned by OU.

“OU’s aviation program was recently named a top program and our students get to rub elbows with their students and staff every day,” Adams explained. “We watch planes take off and land and the students get to be emersed in the atmosphere. It is a great partnership.”

The academy has also been working in partnership with Moore Norman Technology Center. The tech center is currently working towards opening an FAA Part 147 Cer tified Aviation Maintenance Technician School where adults can train in airframe and powerplant mechanics, with additional plans to expand to the program to accept high school students down the road.

“We have had tremendous community support,” Adams said. “The academy has had an exciting take-off and we are hoping to double our number of students next year.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Okla homa Aviation Academy, visit normanpublicschools.org/ AVIATIONACADEMY.– BSM