Igniting Innovation. Empowering the Future.
The Oklahoma Aerospace Foundation (OAF) is at the forefront of advancing the state's aerospace and defense industry by prioritizing STEM education and workforce development. As Oklahoma's second-largest and fastest-growing industry, aerospace contributes over $44 billion annually to the state's economy and supports more than 206,000 jobs .
To sustain and accelerate this growth, OAF collaborates with educational institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to cultivate a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the aerospace sector. Notably, Oklahoma leads the nation in aerospace education funding, with a record investment of nearly $2 million in aerospace and aviation education programs for Fiscal Year 2025 .
This investment supports a wide array of initiatives, including:
Competitive Aerospace and Aviation Education Program Grants: Allocating $732,000 to support STEM-based aerospace curricula across the state.
Aerospace Classroom Laboratory Improvement Grants: Providing $300,000 to enhance hands-on learning environments.
STEM Competitions and Aircraft Assembly Programs: Investing $500,000 to engage students in practical aerospace projects.
Industry Internships: Offering $200,000 to connect students with real-world aerospace experiences.
These programs have led to significant outcomes, such as the addition of over 6,600 aerospace jobs in the Oklahoma City region since 2015, marking an 18% employment growth in the sector .
OAF's commitment extends beyond funding, fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between education and industry. By aligning educational programs with industry needs, OAF ensures that students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in aerospace careers, from engineering and piloting to aircraft maintenance and beyond.
Join us in propelling Oklahoma's aerospace industry to new heights. Together, we can inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals and solidify our state's position as a national leader in aerospace innovation.