AERO Education Grant Program

The AERO Education Grant Program is a competitive funding initiative managed by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA). It aims to support aviation and aerospace education initiatives across the state of Oklahoma. With over $500,000 in annual grant allocations, the program is dedicated to enhancing awareness and skills development in STEM disciplines, particularly focusing on preparing students for future careers in aviation and aerospace. Since its inception in FY2001, the agency has awarded approximately $5.8 million in grants, underscoring its long-standing commitment to educational development in this sector. The program seeks proposals from schools and other eligible educational entities that implement programs ranging from primary to post-secondary levels. The initiative supports the Oklahoma Works strategic vision by directly addressing workforce gaps and ensuring that students gain relevant skills that align with aerospace and aviation career pathways. Programs funded under this grant must explicitly connect students to aviation or aerospace education and demonstrate how they enhance readiness for related academic or career pursuits. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application, including a detailed program narrative outlining goals, curriculum, learning outcomes, and success metrics. The program allows for various educational formats and includes optional curricula such as AOPA and Choose Aerospace. Grant applicants are encouraged to articulate the aviation/aerospace components of their proposed curricula and provide justification for requested items and budgets. Proposals that clearly articulate the value and measurable impact of the program are favored due to the highly competitive nature of the selection process. The grant operates on a reimbursement model. Awardees must initially fund their programs and will be reimbursed up to the amount awarded. Upon purchase and receipt of goods, partial reimbursement of up to 80% may be issued with proper documentation, including receipts and invoices. The remaining 20% is contingent upon successful program completion and submission of a final report and all necessary financial documentation. All program expenditures must occur within one calendar year following the grant approval, and final documentation must be submitted within 30 days after program completion. This grant opportunity has a fixed deadline of May 31, 2026. Award recommendations are reviewed in June, with final decisions expected at the Commission’s August 12, 2026 meeting. Only costs incurred after the Commission’s approval are eligible for reimbursement. Applicants should be aware that instructor salaries are not reimbursable but may be considered as in-kind contributions toward the applicant’s required cost share. Depending on the total program cost, applicants may request up to 50% of eligible expenses, or up to 90% if the request is under $3,000, in accordance with Oklahoma Administrative Code §25:25-1-2(j). Program oversight includes fiscal compliance, submission of invoices with receipts, and adherence to grant terms including equipment purchasing timelines, program implementation deadlines, and record-keeping obligations. Failure to meet documentation or implementation requirements could result in forfeiture of funds and future ineligibility. Questions related to the grant or submission process may be directed to [email protected]. Further guidance and application documents are available through the official program portal, including the FY2027 Grant Application Form provided by ODAA.