Commission awards classroom grants to 16 school districts, expands aerospace teacher training

The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission on May 14 approved classroom laboratory grants and reported on a statewide expansion of aerospace and aviation education in Oklahoma schools.

Staff presented applications from 16 school districts and recommended awards ranging from $12,100 to $65,000 per district; commissioners approved the full slate by roll call. Presenters included educators and administrators from Blackwell, Bristow, Broken Bow, Enid, Guthrie, Hilldale, Hugo, Lawton, Miami, Mid‑Del Technology Center, Mounds, Pawhuska, Rejoice Christian School, Silo, Wilson and others. Several districts sent representatives who described plans to upgrade labs, buy flight simulators, replace old lab furniture and expand drone and maintenance training.

Why it matters: staff said the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) high‑school curriculum and associated laboratory improvements are producing students with certified aviation knowledge and, in some cases, Part 107 certification. Department presenters said roughly 140 schools will implement the AOPA curriculum by the upcoming school year.

Program highlights and quotes Paula (education director) said the agency organized teacher trainings and hands‑on experiences such as “Fly Forward” drone search‑and‑rescue training at Oklahoma State and a planned air traffic control teacher session at the Monroney Center. "We're calling it Clear for Takeoff," she said, summarizing the teacher program.

Individual school presenters described classroom needs and plans. Joey Culver, aviation teacher at Blackwell Public Schools, said grant funds would replace 40‑year‑old chairs and tables and buy a wind tunnel and Wi‑Fi weather station for hands‑on lessons. "Year 2 is really about the nuts and bolts of flight and seeing what's going on," Culver said.

Vicky Wilson of Bristow described a transition to a shop environment and new equipment for aviation maintenance and A&P exposure; staff recommended Bristow for a $40,000 award. Jason Crowley, Enid aviation teacher, said his students are finishing an aircraft project and will use grant funds to outfit new hangar space.

Rejoice Christian School—recommended for $50,000—said it will create a dedicated flight lab with approximately 10 simulators to improve student access and reduce simulator queue times. Pawhuska’s teacher Ashley Rasmussen said her program tripled enrollment after last year’s start and that secure drone storage and charging would let students maximize lab time.

Commissioner comments and vote Commissioners praised the program’s growth and the teachers’ enthusiasm. The board approved the classroom grants package by roll call; each named commissioner voted aye and the motion passed.

Staff said they will gather program data over the summer to report back to the commission on student certifications, program enrollment and other outcomes.

Provenance: The education program update and classroom grant approvals were presented by Paula (Aerospace & Aviation Education) and Stephanie (grant coordinator/presenter), with school representatives speaking; the items ran as agenda items 17 and 18 and concluded with a roll call approving item 18.