The Foundation supports the Association’s mission to connect, learn, and grow beyond its membership. It provides charitable support to Association programs, WAIAM programs, and other organizations that align with its foundation pillars. Priority consideration is given to programs targeting underserved, under-resourced, and rural populations.
Pillars of the Foundation
The Foundation will achieve its mission through supporting programs that target education and talent development of K-12 and postsecondary students; small business investment, and strategic collaboration and community investment.
The grant awarded through the AIAM Foundation has given individuals in our Student Apprenticeship Program the ability to learn vintage aircraft restoration skills and when necessary, to design and build replacement parts needed in restoration of the B-25 airship. Because of the Foundation, these students will increase their interest in aviation as a career along with gaining valuable skills and workforce experience.
Allen Tucker
Board Chair, Warbirds of Glory Museum
Talent Development and Education
A core objective of the Foundation is to actively engage with K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions to:
Promote STEM and Aerospace Careers: Raise awareness about STEM-related careers, with a specific focus on the aerospace industry.
Provide Hands-On Exposure: Offer opportunities for youth to explore the STEM industries through field trips, internships, apprenticeships, and other interactive activities.
Foster STEM Affinity Groups: Establish groups for young people interested in STEM and aerospace to meet regularly, and participate in activities, educational programs, competitions, and more.
Additionally, the Foundation supports adult education programs to enhance skills for career advancement or transition. These programs may include webinars, informational resources, connections to vocational training, and targeted apprenticeship opportunities across the state.
The Foundation prioritizes programs serving underserved, under-resourced, and rural communities, with a special emphasis on girls/women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups in the aerospace field.
Small Business Investment
The Foundation is committed to aiding small businesses through capacity-building and technical assistance, with a focus on the aerospace sector. It is particularly interested in supporting organizations and programs that help businesses explore expansion or entry into the aerospace industry. The Foundation is interested in programs that emphasize education, training, or network strengthening.
Priority is given to initiatives that serve underserved, under-resourced, and rural communities. This includes programs supporting businesses owned by women, people of color, and other groups historically underrepresented in the aerospace field.
Community Investment and Collaboration
The Foundation will strategically partner with other organizations to enhance and complement programming; promote STEM learning and aerospace opportunities in particular; and create greater access for populations and communities across the state.
Join us!
Your support is needed to make this effort a success. From the ground up, we are building an initiative poised to strengthen a strategic industry in Michigan, which will drive opportunity and prosperity across the state. Please join us!
