AAERO Network
Advancing Aviation Education and Rural Opportunities
What is AAERO?
The Advancing Aviation Education and Rural Opportunities (AAERO) Network is a statewide collective launched by the Office of Rural Promise at Appalachian State University, the Rural Education Collaborative, and GEAR UP. In the Office of Rural Promise, we believe that where you live should not limit your possibilities. AAERO is about expanding what young people can imagine for their lives. It consists of K–12 schools, community colleges, workforce partners, and aviation industry leaders working together to create meaningful aviation education pathways that lead to industry-recognized credentials and high-demand careers for students.
By connecting K-12 schools with community colleges and industry partners, AAERO helps prepare students for the future of aviation by connecting education with workforce and industry opportunities. Through collaboration and shared learning, the network supports career pathways that extend beyond piloting into fields such as:
- Aviation maintenance
- Advanced manufacturing
- Unmanned aircraft systems (drones)
- Engineering and design
- Airport operations
- Emerging air mobility and aviation technologies
- Space and aerospace technologies
By bringing together schools, colleges, employers, and community partners, AAERO expands access to aviation and aerospace careers while helping strengthen local economies in rural and urban communities.
Goals for the AAERO Network
- Equip schools with an aviation community of practice to support the implementation of aviation career pathways. This includes curriculum resources, technical assistance, and other needs that emerge.
- Empower students with awareness and technical skills through certification pathways, preparing them to contribute to the next generation of American aviation and aerospace leadership.
- Connect schools across NC for peer-to-peer learning opportunities and sharing of best practices.
- Build Partnerships and develop stronger connections among K–12 schools, community colleges, aviation employers, and community organizations.
By participating in the AAERO Network teams will receive:
- Access to a statewide network of aviation education leaders
- Connections to industry, workforce, and higher education partners
- Resources and tools to support aviation pathway implementation
- Opportunities to learn from innovative schools and programs
- Support for developing or growing sustainable aviation career pathways
- Increased awareness of emerging aviation and aerospace workforce opportunities
Participating Districts
- Alexander County Schools
- Brunswick County Schools
- Catawba County Schools
- Dare County Schools
- Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools
- Gaston County Schools
- Iredell Statesville Schools
- Lenoir County Public Schools
- Lexington City Schools
- Macon County Schools
- Martin County Schools
- McDowell County Schools
- Yancey County Schools
Hear What People Say About the AAERO Network
Partner with AAERO
We’re looking for industry partners who want to connect with educators, share their expertise, and help strengthen North Carolina’s workforce pipeline. There are several ways to get involved:
Sponsor
Support AAERO’s work while highlighting your organization’s workforce needs and commitment to developing future talent alongside education partners.
Share Your Expertise
Connect directly with educators and network participants as a speaker. Opportunities range from virtual conversations to in-person engagements and can vary in time commitment.
Build Industry Connections
Develop deeper partnerships with schools through conversations about career pathways, workforce needs, and industry opportunities. Partners may also choose to host facility tours or site visits that provide firsthand exposure to the workplace.
Ready to connect? Contact Nancy Mangum at mangumn@appstate.edu to learn more.
We couldn’t do this work without passionate and committed partners like Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
