The Aviation Innovation and Readiness West Virginia (AIRWV) Pathway was developed between Marshall University and the West Virginia Department of Education.
Marshall University and the West Virginia Department of Education have partnered for the Aviation Innovation and Readiness West Virginia (AIRWV) Pathway, a new program to help students enter into high demand and well-paying aviation careers. The AIRWV pathway program is designed to introduce K-12 students in the state to aviation, giving them grade-level appropriate aviation experiences and preparing them for careers or higher education in the field.
According to an article on Marshall University’s website, Marshall University President Brad Smith was quoted as saying, “This program creates pathways that lead to future pilots, maintenance technicians, airport operations leaders, aerospace engineers, or careers and innovations we cannot even envision today. West Virginia has always produced extraordinary people, and we have a proud heritage in aviation. Today’s announcement represents the next chapter in our aviation journey as we build an even stronger future for West Virginia.”
Beginning this fall, the program will head to K-12 schools around the state, introducing students to the aviation industry through a specialized curriculum that will give students hands-on experiences at all grade levels. Students will be introduced to careers as a pilot, maintenance/technician, airport operations (including air traffic control), and aerospace engineer.
State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt said, “This is another example of how public education works with higher education and industry partners to respond to the ever-changing needs of our workforce. This vertically aligned system builds on knowledge, skills and experiences from elementary to middle and on to high school. At the end of their journey, students will be prepared for any number of careers that are the foundation of the aviation and aerospace industry.”
Five counties will participate in the pilot program, including Barbour, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, and Logan. Instructors will begin their training for the program rollout this summer.
For more information about Marshall University, visit the school’s website.