Programs to Educate Youth
IAPG Education Mission
The future of Iowa aviation lies within its youth. The IAPG Board has set its focus on programs that will excite and educate our youth. There are several initiatives, some old and some new to bring aviation to youth: Iowa Aviation Youth Rallies which have been held since 2006, programs to support BSA Scout merit badge attainment, a brand new youth pilot training scholarship program, and finally, a joint program with the Air Force Association to recognize aerospace education Teachers of the Year.
Iowa Aviation Youth Rallies—Half-Day Programs
Iowa Aviation Promotion Group, in partnership with Iowa Space Grant Consortium, Iowa DOT Office of Aviation, and sponsoring airports, has held half-day Iowa Aviation Youth Rallies at various locations in Iowa. In over 80 events held 2006–2022, over 4,200 youngsters have attended.
The programs include: instruction on airplanes, aeronautical principles, airport operations, weather, flight planning, aviation careers and more. Where available, each youngster has the opportunity to take an EAA Young Eagle flight. Rallies typically conclude with a pizza luncheon and award of a T-shirt.
These event are absolutely FREE! Target age groups are 10 to 16.
Planned for 2023 is a rally at the Ames Airport on Saturday May 13. These events are FREE. Applications can be requested at any time.
The Ames program registration may be accomplished by completing the Downloadable Ames (AMW) application shown below. The Young Eagles Flights are registered through EAA Chapter 135 day of the program forms.
If you are interested in being a host airport for a rally or have a youth interested in attending a rally, please contact Adam Obrecht president@flyiowa.org
Guidelines for Organizing a Youth Aviation Rally
IAPG encourages airports, pilot groups, EAA Chapters, and fixed base operators to organize a Youth Aviation Rally. Rallies should be offered free of charge and may or may not included flights for participating youth. The materials which follow may be downloaded and/or printed out for use by organizers of youth aviation rally events:
- Planning Guide for Youth Aviation Rallies
- Sample Youth Aviation Rally Syllabus
- Sample Publicity Poster
- Application Form Sample
- AOPA (Aircraft and Pilots Association) PATH to Aviation—Pilot and Teacher Handbook The handbook provides resources for pilots who may serve as adult leaders/instructors at a rally.
Boy Scout Merit Badge Support
An Ankeny Airport encampment was held October 16, 2021 with over 150 scouts and 100 adult leaders in attendance.
IAPG Pilot Training Scholarships
Find more information about the scholarship program here.
Teacher of the Year Recognition: Cooperative Program of IAPG and Air Force Association
Annually outstanding teachers who use aviation and space concepts to enhance the teaching of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in K–12 classrooms, are identified and recognized with Teacher of the Year awards provided by the Air Force Association. IAPG assists in identifying deserving educators who receive recognition which includes cash awards.