Senators and representatives recently introduced a bill to establish the National Center for Advancement of Aviation (S.1752/H.R. 3482). The legislative text funds the creation a nationally-chartered, independent private entity to facilitate collaboration and cooperation between all sectors of aviation to coordinate, promote, and support the future of aviation. The National Center would focus on four key areas: aviation and aerospace STEM curriculum, workforce development, economic and safety data and research sharing, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

ATEC joined a long list of organizations supporting the initiative, applauding lawmakers for creating a venue to "support education efforts and provide resources to curriculum developers so educators at all levels have the tools and training to educate the next generation of aviation professionals." The bill would also serve as a collaborative forum to leverage and share expertise among industry sectors and empower the dissemination of existing high school education curriculum in aviation and aerospace programs (such as AOPA's STEM curriculum, and Choose Aerospace's developing aviation maintenance curriculum).

The bicameral, bipartisan bill is awaiting committee action in both the House and the Senate.

​An instructor at Kansas State University Polytechnic and a student from Lansing Community College have been named the 2021 recipients of ATEC's most prestigious awards. The annual awards are made possible through partnership with the Northrop Rice Foundation and JSfirm.com, who provide cash prizes to recipients.
 
KSUP educator Steven Locklear was named the Ivan D. Livi Aviation Maintenance Educator of the Year Award for 2021, while LCC Student JuliAnne Miller was named the James Rardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year for 2021.
 
Miller, the first Lansing student to receive the award, was cited for academic achievement, involvement in activities that showcase leadership, and other contributions to the school and/or community. 
 
Miller currently holds a 3.99 GPA and has made the President’s Honor Roll every semester while simultaneously pursuing a Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. She is actively involved in many aviation organizations outside of the classroom and brings acquired knowledge and insight back to her fellow classmates and instructors.
 
“One of our best students in the 60+ year history of the program,” said Lansing’s Aviation Maintenance Director Mark Bathurst.  She has set a very high bar for her fellow classmates to emulate.  She is clearly deserving of consideration of the Rardon Student of the Year Award.”