AIAM Foundation Impact
The Foundation focuses on bringing the Association’s mission to Connect, Learn, Grow to the communities across Michigan. In doing so, more individuals and businesses have access to participate in the globally growing aerospace industry.
With a projected industry growth of 7.8% over the next decade, the demand for a talented workforce and supply base is high. Michigan is well-positioned to answer the call to meet this demand but needs investment to realize the opportunity.
Your philanthropic gift to the Foundation strengthens our efforts to reinforce educational interests in K-12 students in aeronautics, adult education for career advancement, capacity-building for small businesses, and collaboration for community investment.
Because of our donors, the following programs have benefited from charitable grants from the foundation:
Association Programs:
Michigan Girls Future Flight Challenge
A WAIAM program
The Flight Challenge is a fun, creative way for students to learn about a career in aerospace for girls in 4th-8th grade. Teams of 2-6 girls are challenged over a 4-week period to choose their flight path and solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Teams choose one of three provided problem statements and create their flight solution. Students navigate subjects of engineering, design, finance, marketing and business planning
She Innovates, She Leads: Inspiring Change for a Sustainable World
A WAIAM program
In partnership with the organizations listed, WAIAM hosted the in-person career exploration workshop for rising 9th-12th grade girls featuring four rotating panels of professional women in leadership and STEM fields, with a GVSU collegiate panel at the end of the event. Our mission is to expose and inspire the participating high school students to the diversity of amazing careers in Michigan, led by their passions, and to learn about pathways that contribute towards sustainability!
Foundation Programs:
Warbirds of Glory Museum
Support for apprenticeship program.
