Stillwater district expands aviation pathway; students earning flight steps and industry certifications
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Summary
District staff reported rapid growth in the aviation pathway: students are taking flight lessons, two graduates have moved on to collegiate aviation programs, the drone pathway is active with Part 107 candidates, and local grants and donations underwrote simulators and drone kits.
At its April meeting the Stillwater Public Schools Board of Education received an update on the district aviation program, which staff said is entering its second full year and already producing post-secondary placements and industry certifications.
Why it matters: The district’s aviation pathway provides students exposure to an industry with high local and statewide employer demand. Staff said the program offers routes into college aviation programs, careers and military service and can serve as a model for career-aligned pathways elsewhere in the district.
What staff reported - Program structure: Staff described a sequence of courses (Aviation 1–4). Aviation 1–2 introduce core curriculum, Aviation 3 splits into pilot and drone pathways, and Aviation 4 provides advanced work and flight training opportunities. - Early results: Two students have already completed coursework at the highest level available locally and plan to continue in collegiate aviation programs (one to Oklahoma State University and one to the University of Oklahoma, as noted during the meeting). - Drone pathway and certifications: Staff said several students have received or are prepared to take Part 107 drone certification tests; the district has added drone build kits and Echo drones to allow classroom flight practice and instruction. - Funding and partners: Stillwater Public Education Foundation (SPEF) donated nearly $40,000 for equipment including five flight simulators for the high school. The district has also used Oklahoma Department of Aviation grants and a classroom lab grant to buy wind tunnels, drone cages and engine parts for hands-on labs. - Hands-on learning and industry connections: Students build airport models, use simulators and partner with the local Stillwater Regional Airport, OSU and other industry stakeholders for flight lessons, internships and job-shadowing.
Direct attribution: Ashley Moore, who presented the update, said the district “is keeping a ton of data” on student participation and outcomes and described active partnerships that let students begin flight lessons at earlier ages.
Board reaction and next steps: Board members praised the staff and recommended tracking measurable outcomes tied to district goals and funding sources (for example Perkins and other grants). Staff said they will continue to seek grants, local donors and industry partnerships and will report additional data in future board updates.
Ending: District staff asked the board to consider local accountability metrics for career pathways and to help connect the program to community donors and industry partners.