The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) is proud to announce a landmark investment of nearly $2 million in aerospace and aviation education program funding for Fiscal Year 2025. This substantial commitment highlights Oklahoma's dedication to developing the next generation of aerospace professionals and continues the state’s tradition of aviation workforce excellence.

With a record number of grant applications and aviation high schools implementing high quality STEM based aerospace curriculum across the state; Oklahoma is set to continue leading the country in training the next generation of pilots, engineers, mechanics, technicians, and other professionals that are critical to the safe operation of our National Airspace System. This funding also addresses the growing need for a skilled workforce in a sector crucial to the state’s economy, aerospace, and defense, which contributes $44 billion annually as our second largest and fastest growing industry. The investment aims to build a robust talent pipeline and drive innovation to help the state’s goal of making this our number one industry.

Aero Education Program Framework for FY 2025:

·         Competitive Aerospace and Aviation Education Program Grants: $732,000

·         Aerospace Classroom Laboratory Improvement Grant Program: $300,000

·         ODAA Hosted/Partnered Education Events & Training: $225,000

·         STEM Aerospace & Aviation Competitions & Aircraft Assembly Programs: $500,000

·         ODAA Aerospace Industry Internship Program: $200,000

Key Highlights of FY 2025 Funding:

The FY 2025 competitive aerospace and aviation education program grant allocations support a wide range of educational and workforce development initiatives. This includes funding for extracurricular STEM activities, hands-on learning in coding and aeronautical principles, training for pilots and technicians, and drone building/racing. Significant support will also enhance STEM learning at major events like the Tinker Air Show and provide resources for innovative educational programs.

As part of these allocations, 98 grants totaling $731,128 were awarded to various programs across the state, marking another record year for the Department. These initiatives are set to impact tens of thousands of students throughout Oklahoma, with the aim of inspiring them to explore opportunities in the aerospace field and equipping them for future educational endeavors.

Additional Education/Outreach/Workforce Development Grant Awards:    

• Class Matters - $5,000
• Griffiss Institute Explorer Post 256 - $5,000
• Redeemed Flying Corps - $8,000
• STAAR Solutions - Tinker Air Show - $35,000
• Tulsa Air & Space Museum - $5,000
• Tulsa Community WorkAdvance / Madison Strategies Group - $10,000
• Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance - Space Week - $7,220
• Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance - STEM Shoppe - $1,150

Competitions & Events Grant Awards:

• FIRST - $7,500
• KISS Robotics - $10,500
• Oklahoma Science & Engineering Foundation First Lego League - $5,000
• Oklahoma State University – Speedfest - $19,650
• Camps & Workshops Grant Awards:      
• Cameron University - $2,455
• Fires Innovation Science & Technology Accelerator - $1,699
• Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport - $1,000
• Metro Technology Center - $5,650
• Ponca City Regional Airport - $8,500
• Rose State College - $3,310
• Route 66 Flight School Foundation - $1,830
• Southeastern Oklahoma State University - $10,000
• True Sky Credit Union Foundation/Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center - $11,000
• Tulsa Community College - $2,500
• University of Oklahoma Sooner Flight Academy - $40,000

Other School Program Grant Awards:    

• Altus Public Schools - $9,000
• Claremore NJROTC - $2,699
• Dove Schools of Oklahoma - $5,000
• Dove Science Academy MS - $2,699
• Dove Science Academy HS - $2,039
• John Rex Middle School - $6,350
• Mercy School Institute - $2,500
• Moore Norman Technology Center - $6,000
• Olustee - Eldorado Public Schools (Elementary) - $2,699
• Olustee - Eldorado Public Schools (High School) - $2,175
• Pamela Hodson Elementary - $2,977
• Rattan Public Schools - $2,695
• Tulsa East Central High School - $5,300
• Tuskahoma Public School - $1,761
• Wyandotte Middle School - $2,700

Aviation High School Grant Awards:

• Ada City Schools - $15,000
• Ardmore High School - $3,000
• Bethany Public Schools - $7,594
• Bixby Public Schools - $7,750
• Blackwell High School - $9,000
• Bristow Public Schools - $6,050
• Broken Arrow Vanguard Academy - $7,500
• Broken Bow High School - $8,900
• Burns Flat-Dill City School District - $9,000
• Byng Public Schools - $8,050
• Chelsea High School - $8,500
• Chisholm High School - $2,000
• Collinsville Public Schools - $7,000
• Cushing High School - $2,000
• Deer Creek Public Schools - $1,850
• Durant Public Schools    - $9,100
• Edmond Memorial High School - $10,000
• Edmond Santa Fe High School - $10,000
• Enid Public Schools - $15,000
• Grandfield Public Schools - $2,800
• Grove High School - $8,000
• Hugo High School - $7,500
• Indiahoma Public School - $8,000
• Jenks Freshman Academy - $3,320
• Ketchum Public School - $5,575
• Kingston Public School - $6,800
• Konawa Public Schools - $10,000
• Lexington High School   - $9,500
• McAlester Public Schools - $10,000
• Miami Public Schools - $9,000
• Mid-Del Technology Center - $6,100
• Mustang High School - $5,900
• Newcastle High School - $5,500
• Norman Public Schools / Oklahoma Aviation Academy - $15,000
• Oilton High School - $5,000
• Oklahoma Christian Academy - $1,236
• Oklahoma Christian School - $8,325
• Okmulgee Public Schools - $3,000
• P91-Chase - $9,050
• Pauls Valley High School - $2,500
• Pawhuska High School - $6,800
• Perry High School - $9,000
• Piedmont Public Schools - $9,500
• Ponca City Public Schools - $12,000
• Putnam City Public Schools / Putnam City Aviation - $15,000
• Rejoice Christian School - $5,500
• Savanna Public Schools - $7,000
• Seminole High School - $2,690
• Silo High School - $5,985
• Stillwater Public Schools - $12,000
• Stonewall Public School - $6,500
• Stroud Public Schools - $5,000
• Tahlequah High School - $7,100
• Tri County Technology Center -$14,300
• Union Public Schools - $9,800
• Watonga Public Schools - $9,000
• Weatherford Public Schools - $13,000
• Wright City Public Schools - $10,495
• Wyandotte High School - $12,500
• Wynnewood High School - $5,000

These investments reflect the ODAA’s commitment to nurturing talent and innovation within the aerospace sector to help support the growth of this industry.

“Thanks to the vision and support of the Oklahoma Legislature and our state’s leadership, we are witnessing an exciting period of growth and innovation in aerospace and defense,” said Executive Director Grayson Ardies, ODAA. “Our educators are the cornerstone of this transformation, guiding and inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals. With a robust network of schools ready to take flight and the unwavering support from industry partners, Oklahoma is well-positioned to continue leading the nation in aerospace education and workforce development.”

“Few things have been as impactful to Oklahoma schools as the recent growth of aviation education,” stated Paula Kedy, Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager. “I am so proud to be part of the important work being done by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aerospace. With the support of the ODAA and by developing partnerships with local airports and industry leaders, Oklahoma schools are arming students to enter our state’s growing aerospace industry.”