Earlier in 2026, Choose Aerospace was recognized as Aviation Week Network’s Grand Laureate in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) category.

Grand Laureate in hand, the program team earned additional recognition at the kickoff of MRO Americas in April. Aviation Week President Greg Hamiltoon spotlighted Choose Aerospace Executive Director Crystal Maguire—who was at the event, wearing a different hat in support of the equally stellar Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition.

These recognitions—and Choose Aerospace’s work in general—showcase how finding “all kinds” of individuals who can succeed in this industry means charting clear pathways for their growth based on competency and commitment.

What is Choose Aerospace?

Choose Aerospace’s high school program is designed to give students a direct pathway toward careers in aviation maintenance. Since its launch in 2020, it has reached nearly 2,000 learners across more than 40 programs, helping to address the industry’s ongoing need for a skilled maintenance workforce.

Students completing the FAA-aligned curriculum finish with:

• Industry-recognized credentials
• Opportunity for immediate employment
• Advanced credit for A&P mechanic certification programs

Not just a resource for high schools and community groups, Choose Aerospace’s curriculum should be used by private industry to qualify any technician. The curriculum covers the General Knowledge portion of the mechanic’s certificate requirements, a section that can be adapted to any maintenance provider.

With general knowledge in aviation, a repair station can qualify any technically competent individual to perform unsupervised work. Committed individuals can train quickly into a repairman certificate and/or remain on the experience pathway to their A&P.

In addition to its core curriculum and industry outreach, Choose Aerospace supports the aviation maintenance workforce pipeline by:

• Administering industry scholarships (including ARSA’s)
• Establishing a grant-worthy program to stimulate career pathways
• Partnering with educators and employers to streamline employment opportunities
• Training non-aviation teachers to introduce aerospace content to high school students

Why recognition programs and educational organizations are key for the aviation workforce

In 2015, my colleague Crystal Maguire and I were honored to be in the inaugural class of AMT Magazine’s NextGen awardees. As a very new member of the aerospace community, the recognition showed me how all kinds of people can find a place and make an impact in aviation careers.

Pathways like Choose Aerospace’s are worthy of praise and recognition, and we should use them to encourage “all kinds” of people (not just students) to join a great industry.

With help like this, we can do all kinds of good.