Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education And Workforce topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
State education program reports record teacher turnout, 146 high schools to offer aerospace pathways in 2025–26
Summary
The Department reported record attendance at AOPA teacher training, new school visits and that 146 Oklahoma high schools will offer 4‑year aerospace/aviation pathways in the 2025–26 school year.
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics reported progress on aerospace education outreach, teacher training and school partnerships at the July 9 Commission meeting.
Staff said late May and early June visits brought districts including Tishomingo and Chickasha into the agency’s education program for 2025–26, and an introductory visit took place at Southwest Covenant School in Yukon. Agency staff hosted a teacher training event in June at Rose State College in cooperation with AOPA; 110 teachers attended, a record turnout, and the program included an FAA Academy visit to highlight air traffic control careers.
The agency’s annual banquet and awards event recognized student accomplishments and highlighted Oklahoma’s status as the nation’s leading state for high‑school aerospace pathways for the fourth consecutive year. For 2025–26 the agency reported 146 Oklahoma high schools offering four‑year aerospace/aviation pathways. Staff described supplemental outreach at the COSA conference and a special meet‑and‑greet with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during Tinker Air Show activities.
Why it matters: the agency said widespread school participation and high teacher engagement support workforce development goals for aviation and aerospace industries in the state. Staff encouraged Commissioners to attend upcoming events, including Girls in Aviation Day and the Oklahoma luncheon at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
Next steps: staff will continue district outreach, teacher training and recruitment for pathway programs; event dates and volunteer opportunities were announced.
