Shenandoah Valley Aerospace Workforce Pipeline Development

Project Goal

The creation and expansion of a comprehensive Aerospace Technology and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) talent pipeline serving students in grades 6-12.  This project addresses growing regional workforce demand in aviation, aerospace engineering, airport operations, unmanned systems, GIS, and emerging autonomous technologies.

GO Virginia funding will strategically support the launch of foundational Aerospace Technology I and II instructional capacity, including a phased 0.5 FTE instructor position and core aviation training equipment such as flight simulation, aerodynamics, and aircraft systems tools.  Winchester City Public High Schools and Frederick County Public High Schools will demonstrate long-term commitment and sustainability by funding all UAS and Advanced UAS programs, implementing Project Lead the Way (PLTW) flight and Space at the middle school level beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, and progressively absorbing the instructional staffing costs.

Laurel Ridge Community College and Shenandoah University are participating partners with the workforce development pipeline.