Programs
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.
You can view our new AIAM Impact Report here.
Because of our donors, the following programs have benefited from charitable grants from the foundation:
Association Programs:
Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge
A WAIAM program
The Flight Challenge is a fun, creative way for students to learn about a career in aerospace for students in 4th-8th grade. Teams of 2-6 students 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
She Innovates, She Leads aims to inspire high school students to learn about the diversity of amazing careers in Michigan and encouraging them to connect their passions to pathways that contribute to sustainability!
In March, WAIAM took the She Innovates, She Leads Program to the Michigan Science Olympiad Tournament to share more information about STEM careers with students. Learn more here.
Drone Soccer
Drone Soccer is an exciting robotics competition and program where students learn to build, program, repair, and fly like a real crew. Rebuildable drone technology and competitions allow professional training indoors, keeping students engaged from middle school to high school, through college, and into employment. Opportunities for industry engagement are high through career technical education pathways, mentorship/internship programs, and more.
Learn more about Drone Soccer, its impact, opportunities, and upcoming events here.
Foundation Programs:
STEM Greenhouse – SANKOFA STEM Academy
Support for a 5-week summer program with experiential STEM learning.
Warbirds of Glory Museum
Support for apprenticeship program.
