ENID, OK - Enid Public Schools is launching a new aviation program that will expand opportunities for Enid High School students.
Beginning in the fall of 2022, the aviation program will allow students to explore flight and space through a free curriculum provided through “You Can Fly from AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association)”. The classes are science electives where students will learn about the history, science, and engineering of flight.
Jason Crowley, currently an educator with EPS, is a military veteran who has accepted the position of the aviation program instructor. He served in the army from 1997-2020 and specialized in the functions and upkeep of aircrafts used for mission flights. He received his bachelor of science from Greenville University in Greenville, Illinois.
Crowley’s specialized military training and education include:
· Advanced Leader Course (ALC)
· Air Assault Course
· Airborne Course
· Army Aviation Safety Course
· Artic Survival Training Course
· Basic Leader Course (BLC)
· Battalion Pre-Command/Command Sergeant Major Course
· Combat Life Savers Course
· Advanced U.S. Sergeant Major Academy
· Master Resilience Training
· Senior Leaders Course (SLC)
· SERE-C Survival School (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape for High-Risk Assignment Soldiers)
EPS administration said they are excited to offer this new opportunity to EHS students.
“Aviation is a very active industry across the state of Oklahoma,” said Kristen Jones, district curriculum director. “We are excited that our EHS students will have an opportunity to learn about many careers throughout that industry, both on the ground and in the air. In addition to the knowledge and experience that Mr. Crowley brings, we also have connected with resources and organizations throughout the community who are helping us support this effort. We’re excited to see this program take off!”
The courses are hands-on project-based classes, materials are being provided by the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. Additionally, EPS is working on grants for teacher professional development, field trips and flight simulators. EPS middle schools have been offering Flight and Space through their Project Lead the Way classes for the 2021-22 school year, as an introduction to aerospace education. The high school courses serve as both a continuation of Flight and Space from middle school and an introduction to flight if students missed it in middle school.
Students interested in taking the course are encouraged to meet with their guidance counselor at EHS.
