Curious about aviation education—or ready to advance your STEM/CTE program further?
Join educators nationwide transforming classrooms with aviation, inspiring students, and creating career-ready pathways into aviation and aerospace.
Register NowEarly Bird Rate Extended!
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The 2026 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.
Now in its 12th year, the Symposium gives educators the tools, insights, and community to bring aviation STEM to life through AOPA’s aviation education curriculum. What started as a resource for early curriculum adopters has grown into a national gathering for educators at every stage, whether exploring aviation for the first time, launching a new program, or leading established, thriving programs.
The symposium delivers a full lifecycle experience: from sparking interest to sustaining long-term growth, showing how aviation STEM and CTE learning inspire students and create clear pathways to careers in aviation and aerospace. Attendees leave with actionable strategies, curriculum support, and a network of peers who share a passion for preparing the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals.
"The Symposium is well worth my time each year. My colleagues and I attend as a department, and we use the time to build on each of our ideas as we experience the Symposium differently."
"The continued growth and success of our brand new aviation program is without a doubt owed in part to the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Symposium."
"I’ve had the privilege of attending the AOPA Symposium for 4 years. Each year, I’m amazed at the number of schools adding the AOPA curriculum and by the growing level of excitement for aviation and aerospace. I come away with new friends, new concepts, and a 'wish list' of new technology. I wouldn't miss the AOPA Symposium for the world!"
"The symposium did more than inspire my teaching; it expanded what my students believed was possible. It led to a transformative experience in which they explored airline operations firsthand, flew full-motion simulators, and discovered real pathways to aviation careers. As a result, more of my students are pursuing aviation, training to become pilots, and envisioning futures they once never imagined."
"I expected maybe 8-10 students, but my initial course requests are over 25 students!"
We're bringing back some of last year's most popular sessions—plus adding new topics, expert-led boot camps, and practical takeaways designed to equip you with classroom-ready tools and strategies.
This isn’t a sit-and-listen event. It’s hands-on, high-energy professional development built for educators.
New to teaching aviation? This three-hour boot camp covers aviation fundamentals, FAA regulations, air traffic control, and the pilot certification process. Explore free and low-cost instructional resources while building confidence in teaching aviation concepts. Participants will also complete the FAA-required TRUST certificate for recreational drone flyers, which covers essential drone safety and regulations.
This session is designed to give you a clear overview of the core principles, resources, and strategies you need to get started with the AOPA curriculum. If you are new to the program, looking to refresh your understanding, or want to see how the curriculum can support your teaching or learning goals, join us.
Held during the Welcome Reception, the Poster Session showcases innovative aviation education programs, teaching strategies, and emerging trends. Explore topics like student engagement, technology integration, and program growth while connecting with peers, exchanging ideas, and discovering best practices from educators across the field.
Transform your classroom with the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum. In this high-level overview, learn about the breadth, rigor, and fun of the FREE curriculum. Discover the engaging activities, comprehensive teaching materials, and extensive teacher support available to curriculum users, and learn how to get started.
AI is reshaping education and aviation. Join educators and industry experts as we explore where AI fits within the AOPA curriculum, discuss common implementation challenges, and share practical strategies for adopting AI tools that enhance teaching, learning, and student readiness for the future aviation workforce.
Need money to start or expand your school's aviation program? Federal and state grants, CTE funding, and many other sources could be available each year. Learn from a panel of experts how to tap into these sources to get your aviation program off the ground.
Discover how drones can engage students while preparing them for careers in rapidly growing industries that rely on drone pilots. Industry representatives will demonstrate products and share how classroom drone programs build both technical knowledge and real-world application skills through hands-on learning and career-connected instruction.
Starting a program is just the beginning. This session focuses on retaining students, expanding offerings, and ensuring long-term program success.
Learn how to effectively integrate Redbird flight simulators into your aviation curriculum by aligning simulation activities with lesson objectives, enhancing student skill development, and implementing scalable strategies for programs of all sizes.
Not all partnerships are created equal. Learn how to build meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships with aviation industry partners that support student success.
The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) on the campus of SUN n' FUN at the Lakeland International Airport offers a free, world-class aviation curriculum for middle-school students. Designed to excite and educate about aviation, it integrates seamlessly with the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM curriculum. Meet the curriculum development team and go "under the cowling" to explore this exciting middle school course.
Stay ahead of the curve. This session explores emerging trends in aviation careers and what students need to succeed in the future workforce.
Millions of dollars in aviation scholarships are waiting for students and educators alike! This session explores AOPA's Scholarship Program and other major funding sources, along with expert tips for preparing winning applications. Learn how to access these opportunities and bring additional resources into your aviation program.
You want to start an aviation program that prepares students for STEM career success, but how do you turn that idea into reality? We'll answer your questions and share strategies for pitching, planning, and launching high school aviation programs.
Discover practical strategies for launching and sustaining aviation programs in rural communities by leveraging local resources, partnerships, and creative solutions to overcome geographic and funding challenges.
Start your day by connecting with fellow attendees in this informal, discussion-based breakfast. Tables will be organized around shared interests and topic areas, creating opportunities to engage with peers who share similar experiences, challenges, and goals. Guided prompts will help spark conversation, making it easy to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build meaningful connections.
Aviation competitions are a great way to engage students, deepen learning, and showcase their aviation knowledge. A panel of experts will share details of state, regional, and national competitions and discuss how you can prepare your students to participate or even launch your own competition.
Hear directly from educators who have implemented AI Practical Flight Training simulators in their aviation programs. Teacher presenters will share how they integrated simulators with the AOPA curriculum, the benefits, and challenges they encountered, lessons learned, and practical tips to help others successfully adopt simulation-based learning.
Explore aviation maintenance career pathways through a panel featuring industry professionals and training programs. Learn how students can enter the field, what training options are available, and how educators can guide students toward rewarding, high-demand careers in aviation maintenance and technical operations.
Compare leading FAA written exam test-prep programs in this structured showcase session. Each provider will deliver a focused presentation highlighting their study materials, tools, features, and instructional approaches. Participants will gain a side-by-side understanding of available offerings to help determine which resources best support their students' success.
Hear directly from educators who have successfully integrated simulators into their classrooms. Presenters will share how they selected products, aligned the activities to learning goals, overcame implementation challenges, and built engaging experiences. Leave with practical strategies and lessons learned to support your own simulation journey.
Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping aviation careers across airline operations, maintenance, air traffic management, and drone technology. This presentation examines emerging workforce trends, predictive technologies, and the evolving skills students need to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven aviation industry. Participants will gain insights to better prepare students for future careers in aviation.
Explore leading initiatives that help students take flight. This session offers an overview of programs designed to get students in the air, including discovery flights, scholarships, and flight training partnerships. Gain practical ideas and resources to support your students' journey from classroom to cockpit.
Building an airplane is a time-honored tradition and a great way to learn airplane components, design, and important aircraft manufacturing skills. In this session, we'll explore the many options for engaging students in aircraft builds, from volunteering on existing builds at the local airport to building an airplane as part of a formal aircraft manufacturing curriculum.
Flying drones in class is a lot of fun, but these machines are more tools than toys, and it is important to have the right tool for the job! Learn how to choose the right drones for your mission and strategies for getting the most from your investment, with a focus on maintenance, management, and accessories worth having.
Help students turn their passion for aviation into real careers. This presentation explores practical strategies for guiding students through aviation pathways, connecting classroom learning to postsecondary programs and workforce opportunities. Participants will gain actionable tools and resources to help students navigate aviation education, training, and career options with confidence.
Get up to speed with the new LMS! Learn how to log in, navigate key features, and build confidence using essential tools to support teaching and learning. Perfect for educators seeking a smooth and practical start with the platform and its capabilities.
Discover the hidden gems in the AOPA Foundation Aviation STEM Curriculum. These activities are designed to deepen learning, spark engagement, and bring concepts to life. This session highlights ready-to-use labs and add-ons that are often overlooked, showing you how to easily integrate them into your teaching for greater student engagement.
Bonny Simi, President of Operations, Joby Aviation
From Olympian to journalist, venture capitalist to aviation innovator, Bonny Simi's career journey is anything but ordinary. Today, as the President of Operations at Joby Aviation, she is helping lead one of the most exciting transformations in modern flight. In this inspiring keynote, Bonny will share how unexpected opportunities, bold decisions, and a passion for making aviation accessible to all shaped her path. You'll gain insights into the future of aviation, learn how Joby Aviation is redefining air travel, and walk away with practical wisdom and motivation to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals in your classroom.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of aviation's most impactful leaders. Register now and join us at Symposium!
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.
Discover the passionate community driving this event.
Need a little help convincing your school or administrator that this symposium is a must? Download our ready-to-use template to highlight the benefits of attending, outline key takeaways, and make a strong case for joining us.
Secure your spot at the AOPA Foundation's 2026 High School Aviation STEM Symposium and join colleagues from across the nation who are eager to shape the future of aviation STEM and CTE learning.
All-Inclusive Learning Experience
“The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics believes that supporting teachers’ attendance at the AOPA STEM Symposium through its AERO Education Grant Program helps to ensure that Oklahoma’s schools are armed with the most current information available for building strong aerospace pathways.”
- Paula Kedy, Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager, Oklahoma Aerospace & Aeronautics
Make the most of your symposium experience with our exclusive attendee rate. Click the link below to book your room and lock in this special offer.
Book Your Stay122 North Second Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004
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
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.
Sponsor ProspectusFor more information, please contact: Karla Smith
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.
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For more information on the symposium, please contact us at [email protected].