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Are you ready for your future to take flight? The Aviation Academy, an Envision by WorldStrides program, is an incredible opportunity to spend 10 days in one of the epicenters of aviation. During the program, you will gain invaluable hands-on career experience and exposure while learning from and engaging with leading minds in the aviation industry, gaining unique access to industry facilities, and hearing directly from a NASA Astronaut and renowned speakers that are career experts with professional and military flight experience.

Summer High School Aerospace and Aviation Program Students

About Aviation Academy

The Aviation Academy is an immersive program designed specifically for students who are interested in pursuing careers in aviation and want to be at the forefront of the developments and demands of the future.

While staying on the campus of The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, you’ll be immersed in challenging daily workshops with Falcon AeroLab, engaging forums, and receive unparalleled exposure to industry and leaders through exclusive site visits, which will provide you with a glimpse into your future. You'll also hear from a NASA representative and former NASA astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao, who will share his personal stories and lessons and experience in technology companies.

Additionally, you'll participate in a visit to the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum as well as a tour of the United States Air Force Academy. You’ll take part in true-to-life simulations, which will train your critical thinking and analytical skills for your future in aviation.

Get on board with a world leader in the aviation industry and take the first step toward launching your career and discovering your true potential by attending the Aviation Academy.

George Mason University Logo

College Credit is included with tuition. Students attending select high school programs are eligible to receive college credit(s) through George Mason University. Credits are included in the cost of tuition and are awarded for successful completion of the program and credit requirements. Learn more.

2025 Dates & Tuition

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CITY LOCATION DATES TUITION
Colorado Springs, CO The University of Colorado, Colorado Springs July 18-27 $5,345

Tuition includes room & board, site visits & transportation during program, lectures, simulations, curriculum & materials, and faculty & staff.

We are currently evaluating all aspects of the Aviation Academy and may make changes to the curriculum, site visits or program location to ensure the program meets the most up-to-date health and safety standards.

Program Highlights

Aviation student constructing test airplane at Falcon Aerolab
Falcon AeroLab Experience

Over 5 days with the Falcon AeroLab Experience, you will challenge yourself in engaging build workshops to gain the skills you need to compete in this dynamic field. You’ll design, prototype, build, and launch your own model aircraft with your group utilizing radio technology and implement the full scope of the engineering design process during this challenging multi-day project.

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Aviation student in helicopter
Exclusive Access

See what your future may hold during exclusive site visits to the United States Air Force Academy facilities and the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. With each experience, you will gain a stronger understanding of everyday aviation roles and applications, and how to fly high above the competition on your path to success.

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Aviation students in classroom on college campus
Life on a college campus

Take a tour of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs campus and get a taste of day-to-day life on a top-ranked college campus. Attend exclusive speaking events led by industry experts on topics that may include Aerodynamics, Radio Control Technology, build mechanics of different aircrafts, and more.

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Aviation Academy Keynote Speaker Leroy Chiao
Guest Speakers

Participate in engaging forums led by distinguished speakers that cover compelling industry topics. Hear from multiple esteemed guest speakers and field experts on a wide range of subjects within aviation, including invaluable stories and insights gained through their unique professional experiences.

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Endeavor to the Next Level

Dr. Leroy Chiao was only eight years old when he was inspired to read all the books he could on airplanes and rockets, leading to getting his pilot’s license at a young age. After watching Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walk on the moon, he dreamed of becoming an astronaut and worked hard to make that dream his reality with four missions of his own to space.

During his inspiring keynote address, Dr. Chiao will share his continued love for flying, awe-inspiring stories from his four space missions, and lessons learned. He will highlight how reaching for the stars is important, but even more so is developing the skills necessary for your future to take flight.

Hear from Dr. Chiao on reasons why you should attend Aviation Academy! Watch here.

Tuition

Tuition Tuition for the Aviation Academy covers most of the expenses incurred during the program. Tuition DOES NOT cover transportation to and from the program. LEARN MORE


Scholarships

Scholarships Envision by WorldStrides awards partial tuition assistance to qualified students each year based upon financial need, scholastic merit, leadership achievements, and other factors. LEARN MORE

Fundraising

Fundraising Let us show you how other students use fundraising to cover some or all of their tuition costs. Make fundraising part of your personal success story. LEARN MORE


Payment Plan

Payment Plan You may pay in full today or choose to use one of our payment options.
PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Aviation Academy FAQs

  • Is the Aviation Academy for me?

    If you are a high school student ready to build a path to success in college and a career in aviation, this program is for you.

    To attend the 2025 session of the Aviation Academy, you must be in grades 9-12 during the 2024-2025 school year. If you are a high school student ready to build a path to success in college and a career in aviation, this program is for you. Most of our students are either nominated by educators or selected through our academic partnerships. If you have not been nominated or selected but are interested in taking advantage of the life-changing opportunities that the program provides, we encourage you to contact the Office of Admissions today.


  • What is included in tuition?

    Your tuition for the Aviation Academy includes housing, on-site meals, supervisory personnel, program materials, all program activities, site visits, a Certificate of Completion, and local transportation during the program.

    However, your transportation between home and Colorado Springs, CO is NOT included in tuition. While attending the program, you'll need money for off-site meals, souvenirs, snacks, and other incidentals.

  • How will I be supervised?

    Your safety and well-being during the program is our highest priority. The program is structured so that you will reside in a safe, controlled environment. You'll be closely supervised by a professionally trained Envision team, including advisors who serve as educational facilitators and chaperones, security personnel, operations personnel, and a program coordinator.

    For over 40 years, Envision has achieved a stellar record of safely and successfully enriching the lives of students, providing them with superb educational experiences and professional supervision. Other Envision safety measures include:

    • Greeting students at the designated airport upon their arrival, providing shuttle service directly to the program site, and providing shuttle service back to the airport on Departure Day*
    • Maintaining a low student-to-staff ratio
    • Requiring all students to attend all activities
    • Checking rooms nightly and ensuring that students remain in their rooms
    • Having night monitors in place to support students who may become ill or who have an emergency during the night
    • Equipping all team members with two-way communication devices

     

    *There is an additional fee for shuttle service.

  • Where will I stay?

    Instruction and housing for the Aviation Academy will take place on the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs campus.

  • How many students share a room?

    Each room will house two to three students. You will have your own bed.

  • What is the code of conduct for this program?

    You are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct. You also must abide by and uphold all program rules. We expect you to conduct yourself as a mature and responsible leader who represents your school and community.

  • I am a student requiring specific accommodations. Can I still attend?

    Yes, we encourage you to enroll. Envision by WorldStrides believes in working with families to accommodate student needs and encourages the participation of students who feel prepared to meet the academic, social, physical, and emotional demands of the program environment. We may be able to provide appropriate auxiliary staff and services to assist students as needed if notified in advance. We encourage families, guardians, legal representatives, or educators to contact the Office of Admissions for more information and to discuss particular accommodations before applying for enrollment in the program.

  • Do I need to make my own transportation arrangements?

    Yes. Your tuition does not include transportation to and from Colorado Springs, CO. We recommend that you make necessary flight arrangements only AFTER you receive confirmation that you are officially enrolled.

    Shuttle service between the program location and the airport is available on the first and last days of the program for an additional fee. Envision team members will be stationed in the airport to assist arriving students. Details about arrival windows and the airport shuttle service will be included in your personal MyEnvisionExperience.com web page after you enroll.

  • Can my parents attend the program?

    No. Your parents or guardians are not allowed to accompany you during the program. Gaining independence, including experiencing new things on your own, is an essential part of your growth during the program. However, it is perfectly fine for your family to travel with you to the program location and stay in the area while you are attending the program.

  • Can special dietary needs be met?

    We make every effort to meet the dietary needs of all our students, provided the request is submitted prior to the start of the conference. When you complete the Student Information Form, you will have the opportunity to make special dietary requests.

  • Can I use the campus facilities (gym, pool, etc.)?

    Students are not permitted to use university facilities such as the pool or recreation center.

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