COLLABORATIVE
IMPACT
Experience Aviation collaborates with schools, aviation partners, and community organizations to bring hands-on STEM learning to life. Through projects ranging from aircraft restoration and automotive builds to immersive classroom experiences, our programs give students real opportunities to problem-solve, innovate, and work as part of a professional team. These partnerships allow us to reach diverse learners, expand access to technical education, and empower the next generation of creators, builders, and leaders.
PAST PROJECTS
Experience Aviation delivers hands-on STEM and career-connected learning through large-scale aviation projects that connect classroom concepts to real-world aerospace skills. By partnering with school districts and industry leaders, these programs engage students in collaborative, project-based learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics while exposing students to aviation career pathways.
Experience Aviation partnered with the Embraer Foundation to guide students through immersive aviation-focused projects designed to build technical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Through mentorship from industry professionals and access to real-world aircraft design and engineering concepts, students gained firsthand experience with the processes and technologies used in modern aerospace manufacturing.
These collaborative projects emphasized early exposure to aviation and STEM careers, particularly for students from underrepresented communities. The goal of the partnership was to inspire and excite students, increase awareness of technology-driven career opportunities, and help build a diverse pipeline of future aerospace and aviation professionals.
Experience Aviation delivers hands-on STEM and CTE learning through large-scale automotive build projects that connect classroom concepts to real-world skills. By partnering with school
districts and industry leaders, these programs engage students in collaborative, project-based learning that blends science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
In 2016, Experience Aviation partnered with DeKalb County School District and the Ford Motor Company Fund to guide over 40 Atlanta-area students in building a working replica 1965 Ford Daytona Coupe designed by Factory Five Racing Inc.. The project’s success led to a 2017 expansion to Michigan, where more than 50 students from the Detroit Public Schools Community District completed another Daytona Coupe, unveiled at Ford’s Dearborn Development Center.
Earlier Texas-based programs demonstrated similar impact. In 2014, Experience Aviation partnered with the Lancaster Independent School District and Texas Instruments to build a STEM car with 60 CTE students, culminating in a Dallas parade appearance. In 2015, a build with the Lamar School District helped reverse low automotive CTE enrollment, driving interest from over 200 students and marking a significant program success.The goal was to inspire and excite kids while increasing awareness of technology-based career opportunities.
Building a fast, precise, beautiful piece of machinery is awesome. Having it built by the kids of our communities, that’s priceless.
Experience Aviation delivers immersive, hands-on STEM and career-connected earning through large-scale aircraft build projects that connect classroom instruction to real-world aviation skills. By partnering with schools, industry experts, and community organizations, these programs engage students in collaborative, project-based learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics while introducing pathways into aviation and aerospace careers.
Through its aircraft build initiatives, Experience Aviation guided students in constructing full-scale, flyable aircraft, including the Zenith Zodiac XL, providing direct exposure to aircraft design, fabrication, systems integration, and safety standards. Students worked alongside aviation professionals to apply engineering principles, develop technical competencies, and understand the precision required in aerospace manufacturing.
Experience Aviation also incorporated a historic aircraft flown by Captain Barrington on a successful around-the-world journey, using the plane as a powerful educational platform. This project connected students to real-world aviation achievement, global navigation, and endurance flight concepts, inspiring curiosity and ambition. Together, these builds aimed to excite students, expand awareness of aviation careers, and demonstrate how hands-on learning can open doors to technology-based professions.
Experience Aviation expands hands-on STEM education beyond the classroom through innovative marine-based projects that connect learning to real-world engineering and technology applications. By partnering with educators, industry professionals, and community stakeholders, these programs engage students in collaborative, project-based learning that blends science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics while introducing maritime and marine technology career pathways.
In Norfolk, Virginia, Experience Aviation led the conversion of a houseboat into a floating STEM laboratory, transforming the vessel into a fully functional, mobile learning environment. Students participated in the design, retrofitting, and systems integration of the floating lab, gaining practical experience in marine engineering, electrical systems, sustainability, and water-based technologies. The floating STEM lab served as an accessible, hands-on platform for immersive education, with the goal of inspiring students, increasing awareness of marine and technology-driven careers, and demonstrating how innovative learning spaces can broaden access to STEM opportunities.
Experience Aviation delivers hands-on STEM and workforce-connected learning through innovative solar-powered go-kart build projects that connect classroom instruction to real-world renewable energy and engineering applications. By partnering with schools and industry supporters, these programs engage students in collaborative, project-based learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics while introducing clean energy and advanced manufacturing career pathways.
Students design and build solar-powered go-karts from the ground up, gaining practical experience in electrical systems, solar energy integration, mechanical assembly, and performance testing. Working alongside mentors, participants apply engineering principles, problem-solving, and teamwork to bring their vehicles from concept to completion. The goal of the solar go-kart builds is to inspire innovation, increase awareness of sustainable technology careers, and equip students with hands-on skills that translate directly to future education and workforce opportunities.
Experience Aviation provides high school students with direct workforce experience that bridges education and employment through hands-on training in aviation maintenance and operations. By partnering with industry leaders, maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, and fixed-base operators (FBOs), the program immerses students in real-world environments where classroom learning is reinforced through practical application.
Students gain vocational skills in aircraft maintenance, ground operations, safety procedures, and customer service while working alongside aviation professionals. In addition to hands-on experience, participants have opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications that prepare them for immediate entry into the workforce. The goal of the program is to equip students with the technical skills, credentials, and confidence needed to transition directly from high school into successful, in-demand aviation careers.