AOPA Foundation Takes Bold Steps to Address Aviation Maintenance Workforce Crisis
In response to the escalating aviation maintenance workforce crisis, the AOPA Foundation has unveiled a significant expansion of its highly regarded free High School Aviation STEM Curriculum. The foundation is introducing a new maintenance and manufacturing pathway aimed at nurturing the next wave of aircraft mechanics.
This initiative is a reaction to Boeing’s recent Pilot and Technician Outlook, which predicts a requirement for 710,000 new aviation maintenance technicians worldwide by 2044. The new curriculum track, partially funded by a grant from Gregory and Cindy Kozmetsky and their GCK Legacy Fund, will be provided free of charge to participating schools, mirroring the program’s existing pilot and drone pathways. The development phase is anticipated to last two to three years, with a field test projected as early as 2028.
The AOPA Foundation’s current High School Aviation STEM Curriculum has already achieved remarkable reach. During the 2025-2026 school year, it engaged more than 32,000 students at over 1,500 high schools — marking the first year it was taught in all 50 U.S. states and two territories. Since its inception in 2016, the program has supported over 130,000 students, with nearly 25% being women and approximately 50% being students of color.
“Every student in this course represents dozens of aircraft that can keep flying,” stated AOPA Acting Co-President Katie Pribyl.
Source: Aviation Pros – aviationpros.com