One of Navispire’s core beliefs is that students are most inspired when they experience STEM through real-world learning. That’s why we’re proud to be powered by California Aeronautical University (CAU), whose commitment to aviation education extends beyond the university campus and into local high school classrooms.

This spring, CAU partnered with the Kern High School District’s (KHSD) Regional Occupational Center (ROC) and Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) to complete the second year of the Take Flight program, providing nearly 50 high school juniors and seniors with an unforgettable introduction to aviation.

After completing their required ground school through ROC/CTEC, students took to the skies alongside CAU Certificated Flight Instructors (CFIs), learning aircraft safety, basic flight maneuvers, landings, aeronautical decision making (ADM), and emergency procedures. For many participants, it was their very first time at the controls of an airplane.

“It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done,” shared Centennial High School student Legion Williamson after his first flight. “I just get butterflies thinking about going back up again.”

Students from across the district expressed similar excitement as they completed their first flight experiences.

“I feel like it went better than expected; I’m definitely ready for more,” said Giovanny from East Bakersfield High School.

“My first flight from CAU… adventurous and a lot of freedom,” added Centennial High student Landon Smith.

Through the Take Flight program, students receive approximately 10 hours of aviation education, including five hours of loggable flight instruction with a CAU flight instructor. Thanks to KHSD ROC/CTEC, the program is offered at no cost to participating students, making aviation accessible to young people who may not have otherwise considered it.

By the conclusion of the program, approximately half of participating students expressed interest in continuing their aviation journey. Career goals ranged from airline and corporate aviation to military service, agricultural aviation, aircraft maintenance, flight instruction, and emergency response.

One student’s reflection perfectly captured the impact of the experience:

“This class has been awesome, my favorite by far. Amazing classmates, amazing teachers, and instructors along the way. I just wanted to thank you all for truly making my last school year better.”

Stories like these are exactly why Navispire exists.

While California Aeronautical University helps students experience aviation firsthand through programs like Take Flight, Navispire extends that mission by equipping educators with the resources they need to spark that same curiosity in their own classrooms. Through ready-to-use lesson plans, hands-on STEM kits, aviation education resources, and classroom activities, Navispire helps teachers introduce students to careers they may have never imagined.

Together, CAU and Navispire are committed to creating more opportunities for students to discover aviation, explore STEM, and take the first step toward a future filled with possibility.

Inspired by programs like Take Flight?

Navispire provides ready-to-use STEM kits, aviation lesson plans, classroom activities, and educator resources designed to help teachers introduce students to exciting careers in aviation.