North Idaho High School Aerospace Program Inc

AEROSPACE INDUSTRY "TAKES OFF" IN NORTH IDAHO

There’s an exciting new program in North Idaho that’s changing the lives of young people. The North Idaho High School Aerospace Program provides an experience-oriented “head start” for local students aspiring to launch careers in the region’s growing aerospace industry.

In a place with a history of low wage jobs and declining industries, the aerospace industry is “taking off!” The expansion of local aviation companies in Bonner County Idaho such as Quest Aircraft, Aerocet, Tamarack Aerospace Group, Cygnus and Timberline Helicopters demonstrate the sector's rapid growth and the resulting need for a well-qualified workforce.

This positive development provides inspiration for young people with dreams of pursuing an exciting and rewarding aerospace career close to home.

 

NORTH IDAHO HIGH SCHOOL AEROSPACE PROGRAM: OUR MISSION

Our aim is to “cultivate a highly skilled, local aerospace workforce by providing opportunities for Bonner and Boundary County students to successfully transition to post-secondary aerospace education, career training or job placement.” Aviation and aerospace careers encompass the design, development, production and operation of all flight vehicles.

 

WE MAKE REAL WORLD EXPERIENCES POSSIBLE –

IN THE CLASSROOM, IN THE FIELD, ON THE SHOP FLOOR AND IN THE AIR

We prepare teens for success after high school by providing first-hand opportunities to explore and experience aerospace careers. In addition, NIHSAP helps students define their career goals, then develop a plan to achieve them. Participants know what it takes to get where they want to go -- and are equipped with a "road map" to successfully navigate their journey.

Our students learn about aerospace education and career options, interact with accomplished industry professionals, acquire aviation mechanic skills, complete pilot ground school, and potentially pursue a pilot’s license. Additionally, through an alliance with the Idaho PTECH Network and North Idaho College's Aerospace Center for Excellence, students can elect to earn college course credits toward aerospace-related Associate of Applied Science degrees or training certifications.

These outcomes are accomplished through classroom and online coursework, hands-on learning opportunities, and invaluable partnerships with aerospace industry professionals, local pilots, aviation mechanics, flight instructors, and institutions of higher learning. 

Program participation is open to all Bonner and Boundary County high school students, including home school and other non-traditional students. 

 

IDAHO GIVES' PROCEEDS WILL HELP US COMPLETE OUR ACES AVIATION WORKSHOP AIRPLANE-BUILDING PROJECT 

Hands-on learning is what our Program’s ACES Aviation Workshop is all about. The Club is a cooperative effort that relies on help from FAA Certified Aviation mechanics and expert aircraft builders from Quest Aircraft and Sandpoint Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1441 who serve as volunteer mentors.

Working alongside expert mentors, students are taught how to interpret aviation blueprints and plans, how to build and maintain airframe and powerplant (engine) systems, proper use of tools, metal fabrication and more. Teens are learning the culture of safety protocols, critically inspecting work and accrediting time in a program log.

Right now, our main focus is finishing our airplane construction project – building a two passenger Zenith Zodiac CH610XL. The plane is more than 80% complete. We need funds to purchase the parts and accessories required to finish the project. Idaho Gives proceeds will be used to purchase all that's necessary to complete the plane -- and fly it!

 

PLEASE HELP US LAUNCH A YOUNG PERSON’S CAREER IN OUR REGION’S EXCITING AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

NIHSAP’s ability to offer authentic aviation experiences is costly, and we respectfully ask you to consider making a tax-deductible gift of support. Every gift, no matter the size, has a significant impact. Thank you.