Almost every week, volunteers at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) are reaching out to empower youth in Oklahoma to help shape our future, drive progress, and contribute to advancing our economy and prosperity. Whether it’s participating in a tour, assisting in a classroom, talking to students at a career day activity, or representing the FAA at a career booth, there are multiple ways for employees to share their passion for the aviation industry. MMAC’s outreach toward STEM continues to grow, as many professionals are jumping on board to help our nation’s youth with planning their future goals.

The Center recently hosted several tour groups, showcasing some of the desperately needed careers in our industry. Recently, tours of MMAC were provided to students from Mid-Del Technology Center and Norman Public Schools, and members from the National Junior Honor Society’s State Convention.

The Norman North High School students were all first-year attendees of the Oklahoma Aviation Academy, engaged in studying the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) curriculum. Throughout their visit, they gained insight into the Center’s mission, exploring various career opportunities. As they toured the FAA Academy, the students explored Radar Concepts and the Approach Landing System. They enjoyed a hands-on experience simulating Air Traffic Controller duties via the PRACTICE Air Traffic Control simulation.

Several employees from across the Center volunteered their time and support to the Technology Student Association (TSA) State Leadership Conference held at Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma on April 17^th – 18^th. TSA’s mission is to enhance personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in STEM. Middle and high school students can apply and integrate these concepts through intra-curricular activities, competitions, and related programs. MMAC employees fulfilled roles as judges for various contests throughout the two-day event. The TSA, a national student organization, fosters STEM and business education skill development. There are 220 affiliated TSA Chapters in Oklahoma, representing 22,419 members.

Additionally, a new year for the annual Airport Design Challenge has begun! The program has a year-round format from September 2024 – August 2025. Visit the Airport Design Challenge website to learn more and share this opportunity with any students or educators who might be interested.

Are you interested in becoming an Airport Design Challenge judge? Contact Nicholas.

Interested in serving as a student mentor for the Airport Design Challenge? Contact Brandon Pachey

For any questions about the Airport Design Challenge, email AVSED.Challenge@faa.gov.

If you are interested in becoming a STEM AVSED Outreach Representative and would like to help inspire the next generation of aviation professionals, you can enroll by doing these three steps:

1. Talk to your supervisor about getting involved as an Outreach Representative.
2. Complete the required eLMS training. This eLMS course may be under revision or experiencing issues preventing its completion. If you cannot complete the necessary eLMS course, please get in touch with your regional AVSED program manager
3. Download and save the STEM AVSED Outreach Representative Approval Form to your local file system, fill out the form, and forward it to your supervisor.

You will receive an enrollment notification via email. If you do not receive this notification within ten business days, please contact 9-APLFAAEducation@faa.gov to check your enrollment status.

For more information about STEM Outreach activities, please contact MMAC’s STEM Outreach Coordinator, Jamie Loving, at (405) 954- 5304.