Apache Junction High unveils A3U aviation, aerospace and drone cohort

Chief Brad Callender, the NJROTC instructor at Apache Junction High School, introduced A3U — “Apache Junction High School's Aviation, Aerospace, and Unmanned Systems program” — as a multi-year, cohort-based pathway aimed at keeping ninth-graders through graduation while teaching aviation management, aerospace engineering and unmanned systems (drones).

The program is in an exploratory phase and, Callender said, already has community partners lined up. “We're partnering absolutely with Mesa Gateway, the airport,” he said, and the district has discussed course components with airport managers for air-traffic and ground-management pathways. He also described coordination with public-safety partners, noting that the Apache Junction and Gilbert police departments and Gilbert Fire technical services participated at a recent open house.

Superintendent Dr. Papalardo framed A3U as part of broader efforts to create career pathways for students. He said the program is intended to prepare students both for postsecondary study and direct entry into the workforce and called it “another pathway to looking at 2030 and beyond” for student outcomes.

District materials shown to the board describe A3U as combining core academic coursework with technical training and community mentorships. Presenters said the district is focusing first on building the cohort model and confirming partnerships; they described the open house as successful and said plans will continue through the exploratory stage before formal implementation.

No board action was required; the presentation concluded with board members asking no substantive follow-up questions and expressing support for the initiative.

The board will receive future updates as the district moves from exploration toward implementation and partnership agreements.