Educators and aviation professionals from throughout the State of New Jersey attended the New Jersey Aviation Education Council’s (NJAEC) Aviation Symposium on February 28 to learn about the numerous aviation degree programs that are available at Atlantic Cape Community College for high school students interested in a higher education that can prepare them for a successful career in the burgeoning aviation industry.
From Cherry Hill to the west and Millville to the south, Hoboken and Passaic to the north and Brigantine and Egg Harbor Township to the east, the symposium drew broad appeal from across the state. Atlantic Cape began its Aviation program in 2012 and debuted the State’s first UAS/drone degree program in 2014.
“The aviation economy is right here in Atlantic and Cape May counties. Atlantic Cape has been supporting this industry since 2012 and we remain steadfast in supporting this important regional industry,” said Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba. “Our aviation programs at the college are especially designed to give our students hands-on, real-time training and technical knowledge to pursue a variety of fields, such as airport management, Aviation Business Administration, air traffic control, air transportation management, as well as preparing students for commercial pilot and private pilot licenses for airplanes and helicopters.”
Gaba touted the College’s Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) drone program, which, in 2014, put Atlantic Cape at the forefront of an industry that has unlimited possibilities for steady, high-paying careers whether in government, law enforcement, real estate, weddings, environmental protection and much more.
“Our UAS drone pilot and technician degree and certificate programs were the first in the State in 2014 and our students have been able to earn their credential upon completion,” said Gaba. “Just over two years ago, thanks to a private funder, we were able to begin teaching a course to high school students and high school educators for them to earn their UAS credential. This has allowed us to build capacity and excitement for this ever-emerging field, which builds a pipeline for our students.”
A shining example of the new and younger generation fulfilling their lofty dreams and expectations in the aviation industry was the symposium’s keynote speaker, Priya Abiram. Abiram, an Edison, New Jersey native who is currently completing her undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University and preparing to begin her graduate program in the fall, is also a Citizen Science Astronaut Trainee at the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences.
Abiram reminisced back to the day when she found her love for aviation and astronomy during a visit to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Kennedy Space Center.
“It was my first visit to the Kennedy Space Center’s visitor center when I was seven years old. I remember walking in, looking around and seeing these huge machines that touched the sky,” said Abiram. “I remember asking the tour guide what are these things? He said these are rockets, they are the hardest thing that man ever built, and even harder to fly in one. After I met an astronaut later that day, I told my dad if he could do, why can’t I?”
Through eighth grade and high school, despite her insecurities and self-doubt, Abiram enrolled in courses, signed up for competitions, clubs and teams and, in the end, surprised herself with her successful accomplishments. Proving, in her own words, that we have the ability to create opportunity where opportunity currently doesn’t exist.
“The sky is no longer the limit, but just the beginning,” said Abiram.
Following the keynote presentation, seven workshops were held over the course of three sessions ensuring that all in attendance had the chance to visit as many as possible. The workshops included:
- Aviation programs-in-action roundtable
- Aviation resources for students offered by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and NJAEC
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) high school aviation curriculum
- Aeronautics STEM
- Civil Air Patrol and Aerospace Education Member Program
- Implementing a Drone Course with Industry Certifications
- Aviation careers speaker panel
To ensure the cultivation of subsequent generations of skilled and knowledgeable students who may be interested in pursuing the myriad fields associated with aviation, space exploration and engineering, Abiram is a staunch advocate for increased funding at the K-12 level so students may build the foundation prior to reaching high school.
“By the time students reach high school they have already made a decision as to what college major and career they want to pursue. By then, it’s too late to start that educational foundation, which needs these engineering design teams, the ability to write and publish papers, the ability to talk to people in the industry or having guest speakers to connect with,” said Abiram. “All of this should happen starting in elementary school, middle school and high school.”
The New Jersey Aviation Education Council (NJAEC) is a statewide nonprofit, created in 1992, connecting students, educators, industry, and government to share resources and promote aviation and aerospace opportunities. The NJAEC provides a network for students, educators, and aviation aerospace industry and government to interact and share knowledge and resources to promote exciting opportunities in aviation and space. Visit aviationec.org for more information.
Visit atlanticcape.edu/aviation for more information on Atlantic Cape’s exciting Aviation degree programs.
View a photo gallery of the Aviation Educators Symposium on Flickr here.
About Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 33 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
