Why Your Support Matters
At Pathways to Aviation, our mission is to inform, inspire, and engage the next generation of aviation professionals.
We do so by introducing youth to aviation and aerospace career opportunities, providing career-readiness resources, and helping students access scholarships and meaningful industry connections. Whether a student is interested in pursuing an airline pilot career, aviation administration career, aircraft mechanic career, or another field in the world of aviation, we help them access the information and opportunities they need.
None of this would be possible without our partners. By partnering with leading aviation organizations, educational institutions, and local airports, Pathways to Aviation is able to create immersive and practical experiences that expose young people to the breadth of opportunities in the aviation and aerospace fields.
Our Key Partners
Support from Local Airports
One of our goals is to support our local aviation workforce, and working with our airports is a key component to accomplishing that goal. By collaborating with the Reno-Stead Airport and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, we’re able to provide students with real-world environments to learn about airport operations, aircraft logistics, and ground support careers.
Partnering with these airports allows us to host aviation events, tours, and experiential activities that allow students to see firsthand how airports function and what job opportunities exist within them, from ramp operations and customer service to airfield safety and logistics planning. Working with airport authorities also enables us to bring aviation professionals into schools to share their career journeys, expanding student exposure to diverse roles in the industry.
Reno-Tahoe Aviation Group
The Reno-Tahoe Aviation Group (RTAG) shares many similar initiatives with Pathways to Aviation, including the award of scholarships for flight training, providing education about aviation, and supporting our local airports. Partnering with this organization increases our reach and impact.
University of Nevada, Reno
George W. Gillemot Aerospace Engineering Department
Much of our work is made possible through the generosity of the George W. Gillemot Foundation. In addition to funding Pathways to Aviation Scholarships, in 2023, the George W. Gillemot Foundation donated $36 million to the University of Nevada, Reno, which resulted in the creation of the George W. Gillemot Aerospace Engineering Department within the College of Engineering.
The University engineering program has been actively involved with Pathways in encouraging younger students to consider aerospace concepts and careers, helping us bridge the gap between early career interest and higher education.
This partnership strengthens the educational pathway for students who discover a passion for aviation through early outreach. By linking high school learners with university engineering resources, model rocket clubs, labs, and faculty expertise, Pathways to Aviation helps students envision the advanced technical and engineering opportunities available in aerospace fields.
Experimental Aircraft Association and Young Eagles
One of our most valuable partners is the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), a global nonprofit dedicated to aviation participation and education. EAA’s youth-focused programs, especially the Young Eagles initiative, are foundational in sparking early interest in aviation.
By teaming with EAA chapters and events, Pathways to Aviation can connect students with hands-on flight experiences and community aviation activities. The Young Eagles program, in particular, provides free introductory flights for youth ages 8-17. Since the program began, EAA has helped more than 2.4 million young people worldwide experience their first flight.
The Young Eagles program, along with EAA’s other programs, helps demystify flight and provide tangible “first steps” toward aviation careers, making the industry feel accessible and exciting for students who might otherwise never step onto a runway.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Pathways to Aviation also works with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), another major aviation nonprofit focused on advocacy, education, and engagement. AOPA’s initiatives, like the You Can Fly outreach programs and curriculum development efforts, help broaden students’ understanding of aviation opportunities beyond pursuing an airline pilot career, including maintenance, air traffic control, and aerospace operations.
Through this partnership, we can share AOPA’s educational resources and advocacy tools with young learners, enriching classroom activities and community workshops with professional insights into aviation careers and pathways.
Increasing Our Impact
Together, these partnerships help Pathways to Aviation offer a multi-faceted approach to youth engagement. Through events, mentorship, career readiness programs, and scholarship assistance, our partnerships ensure that students not only see the possibilities in aviation but also have the tools and connections to pursue them.
If you are interested in partnering with us to help students pursue their dreams of flight, contact us today!
