San Antonio, TX: Two groups of high school students arrived at Hallmark University’s College of Aeronautics for their orientation into the new year of Hallmark’s Aerospace College Head-start Institute (Aero CHI). These students from San Antonio’s NEISD included students who completed their first year of Aero CHI in May, as well as a new group beginning their career in aviation training. Aero CHI is a free program designed for high school students to complete over one-third of their AAS degree in Airframe and Powerplant Technology while in high school, saving them a great deal of time and over $10,000 in tuition when they continue their education with Hallmark University.
Hallmark University’s Aero CHI program began in the summer of 2017 after the Boeing Company released a report detailing a potential shortage of trained aviation maintenance technicians. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing projected a worldwide need for 679,000 new aviation maintenance technicians over the next 20 years. Aero CHI will train the needed aviation professionals while providing a direct career path for students after high school. These students will add to San Antonio’s vast aerospace industry which includes a range of businesses that manufacture aircraft equipment and parts, service and repair aircraft, and more.
“It is a pleasure to now have 35 of these young students on campus, as they complete both general aviation and powerplant subjects,” said Doretta Gutierrez, Dean of Hallmark University’s College of Aeronautics. “The seniors are looking forward to getting out and tearing down the reciprocating engines, while the new juniors will be out taxiing in the Cessna by Thanksgiving. It is great to see the excitement in their eyes as they are learning and doing these new tasks, and hopefully, they are beginning their paths to a new career.
Both years of Aero CHI take place at Hallmark’s Aviation Campus located at the San Antonio International Airport where students receive training on a range of different aeronautical assets. Students learn about engine repairs and services, aviation physics, aircraft drawings and more during their two years in Aero CHI. The success that Aero CHI has seen can be attributed to the partnership between NEISD and Hallmark University that showcases the group's commitment to providing promising opportunities to the community’s youth. Students can continue their aeronautics training right after finishing high school, allowing them to begin their career far sooner than normal.
About Hallmark University: Founded in 1969, Hallmark is an accredited, nonprofit university that offers innovative graduate and undergraduate degrees in aeronautics, business, healthcare and information technology. Hallmark University is recognized for its ability and willingness to adapt to industry and student needs while providing high-quality education. To learn more about Hallmark University, its mission, purpose, values, and programs please visit us at hallmarkuniversity.edu
