The rollout of the University of North Dakota’s (UND, Booth C4334) Rotor Pathway Program is being praised by the Helicopter Association International (HAI) as an “innovative solution” to “tackle the issue of workforce development.”
The program incorporates vertical aviation into aviation classes for college credit presented to high school students in cooperation with industry, high schools, post-secondary schools, and other stakeholders. Upon course completion, students can get additional mentoring as well as internships and job interviews. The program builds on the success of a similar program established in Utah that serves as a model for students pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers.
Leslie Martin, UND associate aviation professor, teaches the program to high school students in Grand Forks. “These students are excited to learn about how they can participate and succeed in vertical aviation,” Martin said.
“I am excited to see the Pathway Program introduced in North Dakota with such great partners,” added Cade Clark, HAI v-p of government affairs.