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Norman–VPrep Aviation Partnership Highlights Career Pathways for Virtual Students
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Summary
The board spotlighted a partnership between Norman Public Schools’ Oklahoma Aviation Academy and Virtual Preparatory Academy of Oklahoma, showcasing a hybrid model that aims to give virtual students industry connections, internships and CTE credentials; Boeing and Tinker Federal Credit Union pledged support.
The Statewide Virtual Charter School Board spotlighted a partnership between Norman Public Schools’ Oklahoma Aviation Academy and Virtual Preparatory Academy (VPrep) highlighting how a hybrid model can connect virtual students to industry pathways.
Dr. Nick Manglerino, superintendent of Norman Public Schools, described the Oklahoma Aviation Academy’s design to serve students statewide through a combination of in-person and virtual instruction, partnerships with Moore Norman Technology Center and the University of Oklahoma, and industry links. Erin Robbins, a VPrep co-founder, said the program grew from about 30–40 students to a projected roughly 500 and emphasized individualized supports and pathways to careers such as drone services, air traffic control and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul).
Industry partners underscored the value of the model. Lisonbee Griffith, vice president of treasury services at Tinker Federal Credit Union, thanked the program and discussed scholarships and donor support; Todd Pauley, a Boeing community relations representative, described Boeing’s workforce interest in the pipeline and named partnerships with Moore Norman Tech, OU and Rose State Community College. The board asked about pipelines to commercial airlines and logistics; presenters said conversations were underway with airlines and stressed an MOU-based partnership model in which Norman teachers certified in AOPA curriculum can teach students statewide online.
Presenters also noted that roughly 88% of aviation program students come from low-income families and that corporate and philanthropic support — including a donation for discovery flights — has broadened access. Board members applauded the collaboration and suggested the model could be replicated for other industries (health care, nursing, film, agriculture) and encouraged sharing best practices at the upcoming Horizon Connect conference.
