Oklahoma Schools Celebrate Aviation-Focused STEM Curriculum

AOPA recognizes Oklahoma schools for leading the country in STEM program acceptance.

Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 07:59 AM ET

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The coursework focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math—or STEM—and will be taught at the schools in the fall. [File photo: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Oklahoma leads the nation with 58 high school districts approved to teach the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) "You Can Fly" aviation STEM curriculum.
This initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce for Oklahoma's aerospace industry, the state's second-largest, addressing a significant global demand for pilots and technicians.
The STEM-focused curriculum promotes diversity and inclusion in aviation, with current national participation showing 49% minority and 21% female students.
The program is supported by FAA workforce development grants, state legislation ensuring academic credit for aviation courses, and comprehensive training for teachers.

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Aviation and aerospace is the second largest industry in Oklahoma, so it is fitting that high schools in the Sooner state lead the nation in the number of schools approved to teach the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) high school aviation curriculum.

Known as the You Can Fly curriculum, the coursework focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math—or STEM—and will be taught at the schools in the fall.