High Tech High North County (HTHNC) has taken a groundbreaking step into the world of aviation and aerospace with the launch of its innovative Aviation STEM program in partnership with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). This program, introduced in 2022, is designed to prepare students for the exciting and rewarding careers that await them in the aviation industry. The decision to introduce the Aviation STEM program was spurred by the staggering statistics from Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook, which projects a need for over 600,000 new pilots and nearly 700,000 new technicians in the next 20 years. Recognizing this demand, HTHNC partnered with AOPA to provide its students with a pathway to these critical and rewarding careers.

A Comprehensive Course Sequence

High Tech High North County’s Aviation STEM program offers a comprehensive course sequence spanning four years, providing students with a progressive and in-depth understanding of aviation and aerospace concepts. In the ninth grade, students begin with courses like “Launching Into Aviation” and “Exploring Aviation and Aerospace,” which introduce them to the fundamentals of the industry. In the tenth grade, they move on to more advanced topics such as “Introduction to Flight” and “Aircraft Systems and Performance,” where they gain a deeper understanding of the principles of flight and aircraft operation. The eleventh grade focuses on “The Flying Environment” and a pilot pathway that includes “Flight Planning & UAS Operations,” preparing students for more practical aspects of aviation. Finally, in the twelfth grade, students complete the pilot pathway with courses like “Preflight Your Career” and “The Capstone Experience,” which allow them to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Additionally, there is a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) pathway available in the twelfth grade, offering a specialized focus on drone technology and operations.

Living the World of Aviation

The Aviation STEM program at HTHNC is not just about learning; it’s about living the world of aviation. Students are immersed in a curriculum that covers a range of topics, from launching into aviation and exploring aviation and aerospace, to diving deep into aircraft systems and performance. The program’s course sequence spans four years, with each year building upon the knowledge and skills gained in the previous years.

A Gateway to Endless Possibilities

The collaboration between HTHNC and AOPA is a testament to both organizations’ commitment to providing students with innovative and impactful educational opportunities. Through this partnership, students at HTHNC are not only gaining valuable skills and knowledge in aviation but are also being inspired to pursue careers that will shape the future of the aviation and aerospace industries.

The Aviation STEM program at HTHNC is more than just a curriculum; it’s a gateway to a world of endless possibilities. As students engage in hands-on learning experiences and explore the vast potential within the fields of aviation and aerospace, they are taking the first steps toward a future filled with excitement, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

“With hands-on learning, we’re not just dreaming; we’re doing,” confidently says one of HTHNC’s students. “Whether it’s piloting, engineering, or aerospace, we’re ready for the future.”

In Summary

The Aviation STEM program at High Tech High North County is more than just an educational initiative; it is a transformative experience that prepares students for the dynamic and evolving world of aviation and aerospace. Through hands-on learning, innovative coursework, and industry partnerships, students are not only gaining valuable skills and knowledge but are also developing a passion for aviation that will drive them toward successful careers in the field. 

For more information about the Aviation STEM program at HTHNC, visit the school website or contact the school office. Join HTH and embark on this exciting journey into the future of the aviation and aerospace industries.