AASHTO Journal - NCDOT Helps Fund Aviation Career Education Academies

The Division of Aviation within the North Carolina Department of Transportation recently awarded grants of up to $5,000 each to 12 airports to host aviation and aerospace-themed summer academies for kindergarten through 12th grade students.

[Above photo by NCDOT]

The academies funded by these state-funded grants help inspire the next generation of pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and aviation enthusiasts, the agency said – engaging students in hands-on activities, interactive lessons and behind-the-scenes experiences that bring the aviation industry to life.

Participants can look forward to flight simulator sessions, airport tours, aircraft demonstrations and opportunities to connect with aviation professionals who share their passion for the skies, the agency said.

[Editor’s note: In a separate initiative, the NCDOT recently highlighted the national honors received by three North Carolina students in the 2025 U.S. Youth Aviation Art Contest for artwork they created celebrating aviation’s pioneering women. That annual competition celebrates young artists who bring the spirit of flight to life through art and is hosted by the National Association of State Aviation Officials and the National Aeronautic Association.]

“We’re thrilled to partner with airports across the state to offer these academies,” said Nick Short, interim director of the NCDOT Division of Aviation, in a statement.

“Not only do students have an incredible time learning about aviation, but they also gain valuable insight into the career opportunities available in this dynamic and growing industry,” he added. “It’s about sparking curiosity and showing them that the sky really is the limit.”

NCDOT added that the ACE Academy Grant Program is a key component of the Division of Aviation’s mission to support aerospace and aviation workforce development. By funding these academies, the division is helping to cultivate a pipeline of skilled professionals who will contribute to the state’s robust aviation sector, NCDOT said.

Across the country, state departments of transportation support a wide range of aviation initiatives.

For example, the Idaho Division of Aeronautics – part of the Idaho Transportation Department – sponsors a yearly “safety stand down” for light-aircraft pilots to share best practices and learn tips, tricks and strategies for small-plane operators.

The agency noted that its 2025 Safety Stand Down attracted more than 200 Idaho pilots and aviation enthusiasts from across the state, with a portion of the annual program covering improvements to aviation infrastructure, including new construction, projects, and volunteer opportunities.

The Utah Department of Transportation recently produced a video explaining how its Division of Aeronautics helps bring pediatric care to rural parts of the state.

In December 2024, the New Mexico Department of Transportation provided a $1.4 million Rural Air Service Enhancement Grant to the town of Angel Fire to boost tourism and provide better travel options for local residents to the northern New Mexico Mountains.

And in November 2024, the Alabama Department of Transportation awarded over $3.6 million in state funding to 16 local airports to support numerous improvements to their facilities.