REGISTRATION OPENS SOON

SAVE THE DATE: NOV. 15-17, 2026

HYATT REGENCY PHOENIX, AZ

We’re headed to Phoenix in 2026! Sign up to be the first to know when registration opens.

Curious about aviation or ready to level up your program? Join educators, leaders, and innovators who are transforming STEM and CTE classrooms with real-world aviation experiences. Walk away with classroom resources, funding opportunities, CE hours, and a community that inspires you while launching students towards careers in aviation and aerospace.

2026 STEM Symposium Logo
DISCOVER • REIMAGINE • ELEVATE

Register today

 

0

DAYS

0

HOURS

0

MINUTES

0

SECONDS

#AOPASTEMSymposium26

#AOPASTEMSymposium25

The 2025 Symposium gives you everything you need to start or elevate your aviation STEM and CTE programs. Turn curiosity into engagement, passive learners into driven problem-solvers, and ignite passion through aviation.

Who Should Attend
Squares

Why Attend?

More than a conference—it's where educators, industry leaders, and aviation advocates come together to reimagine how AOPA's aviation STEM curriculum can inspire students and elevate classroom learning.

Whether you're considering the idea, getting started, or expanding your program, you'll leave with practical tools, fresh insights, and valuable connections to confidently take the next step.

Video Poster
Squares

Why Attendees Return Year After Year

  • Learn proven strategies to build or expand aviation STEM and CTE programs
  • Participate in hands-on, educator-led workshops that inspire and innovate
  • Connect with fellow educators, industry leaders, and advocates
  • Discover cutting-edge tools and classroom-ready resources from top exhibitors
  • Receive up to 15 continuing education hours
Who Should Attend
Squares

Who Should Attend

  • High school educators
  • STEM/CTE directors & coordinators
  • Curriculum directors & developers
  • Counselors
  • School administrators
  • State & district school officials
  • Industry leaders with pathway programs, including airline/commercial pilot training and aviation maintenance/avionics
  • Aviation-focused colleges and vocational and technical schools

Bring STEM & CTE to Life Through Aviation

Aviation is an unexpected, but incredibly effective way to teach science, math, engineering, and technology. It makes abstract concepts real, relevant, and exciting, and it's completely accessible, at no cost, to your school.

Who Should Attend
Squares

Why It Works

  • Hands-on, project-based learning
  • Real-world problem solving
  • Career-connected content
  • Proven to boost student engagement
Who Should Attend
Squares

Free Curriculum. No Aviation Experience Needed.

  • Standards-aligned (CCSS, NGSS, FAA ACS)
  • Turnkey—ready to use, no flight experience required
  • Flexible—use one course or the full four-year program
  • Built to integrate with STEM, CTE, or existing pathways
Video Poster
Squares

What You'll Experience by Attending

  • See the curriculum in action
  • Hear from schools already teaching it
  • Connect with a growing community of innovative educators
  • Walk away with practical tools and inspiration

This isn't your typical sit-and-listen conference; it's engaging, energizing professional development that puts educators at the heart of the aviation workforce pipeline.

Stay Informed

Sign up to receive updates and news about the symposium and the AOPA Foundation's free high school aviation STEM curriculum.

Symposium Success Stories

2025 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

The Symposium featured over 30 breakout sessions, boot camps, numerous networking opportunities, two general sessions, keynote speakers, receptions, product demonstrations, and exhibitors ready to help your program launch, grow, and thrive.

Check out our program here.

Register Now
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Registration Open · Location: Studio Lounge
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open · Location: Cosmopolitan Ballroom & Foyer
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Welcome Happy Hour (Hosted by LIFT Academy) · Location: Regency Foyer
7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Registration Open · Location: Studio Lounge
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast · Location: Regency Ballroom
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Opening General Session (details coming soon) · Location: Regency Ballroom
10:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open · Networking · Location: Cosmopolitan Ballroom & Foyer
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch · Location: Regency Ballroom
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Reception (Hosted by AIM) · Location: Cosmopolitan Ballroom & Foyer
7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Registration Open · Location: Regency Foyer
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast · Location: Regency Ballroom
8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open · Location: Cosmopolitan Ballroom & Foyer

Exhibitors & Sponsorship

Exhibitor Opportunities

Exhibitor Opportunities

Exhibiting at the 2026 symposium puts you face-to-face with the educators and decision-makers shaping tomorrow’s aviation talent pipeline. Whether you're offering products, programs, or career pathways, this is your chance to make meaningful connections and support the growth of aviation in high school STEM and CTE programs.

For more information, please contact: Kate Hill

Sponsor Opportunities

Sponsor Opportunities

Maximize your organization's visibility with our exclusive sponsorship packages. The 2026 symposium provides valuable marketing opportunities, including prominent recognition in AOPA's communications and outreach to our extensive education network.

For more information, please contact: Karla Smith

Sponsor Opportunities

Who Attends?

A highly engaged audience of high school principals, superintendents, district administrators, and educators looking to connect with organizations that can enhance their STEM and CTE programs with aviation-focused solutions. Whether you're an exhibitor or sponsor, this is your opportunity to build meaningful partnerships and expand your impact in aviation education.

WE APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT OF:

Embraer Foundation

The Embraer Foundation supports communities through strategic social investments, employee volunteerism, and programs that inspire youth in aviation. Their nationwide partnerships advance innovation in education, sustainability, aviation, and DEI.

Lift Academy

LIFT Academy, owned by Republic Airways Holdings, offers airline-ready flight training modeled after Republic’s SOPs and workflows. Graduates can build time as CFIs or launch their careers with Cape Air before transitioning to Republic. LIFT operates campuses in IN, SC, AL, and TX.

 
AIM

AIM is the nation’s largest FAA-approved Part 147 aircraft maintenance school, with 15 campuses across 13 states. For over 50 years, AIM has provided hands-on, career-focused training backed by strong industry partnerships.

Foreflight

ForeFlight is the leading flight planning and electronic flight bag platform for pilots in general, business, and military aviation. They support educators with powerful tools that bridge the cockpit and the classroom, including ForeFlight Mobile and Sentry ADS-B solutions./p>

CAU

Connected to Bakersfield International Airport, CAU offers immersive aviation degree programs and training that prepare students for professional pilot and aviation careers. Strong industry partnerships and a full-campus aviation environment set CAU apart.

Redbird Flight

Redbird brings modern simulation technology to K–12 programs, colleges, and flight schools worldwide. With 3,000+ devices in service, they deliver innovative simulators, software, and education tools that make aviation more accessible.

Textron

Textron is a global, multi-industry company known for creating aircraft, defense systems, specialized vehicles, and industrial technologies. Their team of 33,000 delivers solutions that move people, power industries, and protect missions worldwide. textron.com

Williams Int

Williams International is a world leader in gas turbine engine design, manufacturing, and support. With facilities in Michigan and Utah, the company brings cutting-edge engineering and production capability to the aviation and defense industries.

How Can We Help?

For more information on the symposium, please contact us at [email protected].

 

© 2025 AOPA Foundation - All Rights Reserved