Aviation Academy

Take to the skies at University of Colorado Colorado Springs, where you’ll build and fly a model aircraft, experience introductory flight instruction, and explore aviation careers while learning from real-world aviation professionals, commercial pilots, and industry experts. 
Aviation Academy Aviation Academy

Your Flightpath into the World of Aviation  

Ready to take the controls? The Aviation Academy at University of Colorado Colorado Springs is your gateway to flight and aerospace engineering, designed for ambitious high school students who dream of conquering the skies.

What Makes This Different? Design and fly real radio control aircraft, experience helicopter flights, train with powered aircraft, and visit the U.S. Air Force Academy—all taught by aviation experts, FAA-certified pilots, and industry professionals who live for flight.

Your Experience

  • Design, build, and fly your own radio control aircraft
  • Experience helicopter tours and powered aircraft instruction
  • Train with FAA-certified pilots and aviation engineers
  • Connect with future pilots and aerospace professionals nationwide
  • Visit exclusive aviation destinations and flight facilities

Whether your passion lies in becoming a pilot, aerospace engineer, flight technician, or aviation specialist, this program gives you the hands-on experience and insider perspective to make informed decisions about your aviation career.

Don't just dream about reaching for the skies—start flying there.

Sample 2026 Schedule

Day 1: Arrival of Scholars

  • Orientation at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Day 2: Design Thinking

  • Introduction to Design Simulation
  • Flight V-Log: Kickoff
  • Personality Styles
  • Public Speaking

Day 3: Career Navigation

  • Campus Tour
  • Admissions Briefing
  • College Panel: Ask undergraduate and graduate students questions about the college experience
  • Offsite Experience: National Museum of WWII Aviation

Day 4: Falcon AeroLab Part I

  • Intro to Basic Aerodynamics Parts Inventory
  • Flight Experience: iFly

Day 5:Falcon AeroLab Part II

  • Drone Assembly
  • Flight Experience: Helicopter Flights

Day 6: Falcon AeroLab Part III

  • Drone Controls
  • Flight Experience: Powered Flights

Day 7: Falcon AeroLab Part IV

  • Drone Maneuverability
  • Flight Experience & Exclusive Site Visit:
  • United States Air Force Academy Tour 

Day 8: Falcon AeroLab Part V

  • Drone Flight
  • Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum Experience
  • Old Colorado City Historic District

Day 9: Methods of Flight

  • Flight V-Log: Compile Footage
  • Flight V-Log: Final Presentations
  • Final Group Meeting 

Day 10: Farewell & Departure

  • Closing Session: Program Debrief

This sample schedule is provided as an example of the overall quality and scope of the experience offered and is not intended to represent a specific schedule for 2026. The specific 2026 schedule, locations, speakers, and site visits may be modified.

Go Beyond the Classroom

Envision by WorldStrides programs are held at some of the top universities in the country, providing high school students with the opportunity to experience life on a college campus and get a glimpse of what their future may hold.

This Summer, Aviation Academy will take place in the following locations:

University of Colorado

College Credit

University of Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO

June 25,2026 - July 4, 2026
July 18,2026 - July 27, 2026

 

What's Included?

  • All curriculum and instruction
  • Program activities
  • Site visits and events
  • Program materials
  • At least two meals a day
  • Local transportation during program
  • The cost of two college credits
  • Certificate of achievement

Now I Know

Hear directly from Aviation Academy alumni about what they now know after attending the program and how it has helped inspire them to pursue their passion.

Take the Next Step

Thank you for your interest in Aviation Academy.
Please fill out the form below to receive additional information about the program.