Aviation Careers Take Flight in Palm Springs

High School Introduction to Aviation Careers To Launch by Palm Springs Air Museum and Palm Springs Unified School District Partnership

PALM SPRINGS — Some students in the Palm Springs Unified School District will move       out of the classroom this fall and into the cockpits of airplanes to study aviation careers.

The Palm Springs Air Museum, in partnership with the Palm Springs Unified School District announces the launch of the Aviation and Aeronautics Career Exploration Program, an innovative learning program to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. “This launch follows a successful trial program last spring with Rancho Mirage High School,” said PSAM’s Education Programs Manager Maria Wren.

Beginning in September 2026, the program will provide 36 high school juniors—and eligible seniors—with a unique opportunity to explore careers in aviation through a combination of classroom instruction, industry lectures, and actual flight experiences.

The AACE Program introduces students to career pathways including professional piloting, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, aviation management, and other aviation-related professions. The hands-on learning builds skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Direct interaction with aviation professions helps students learn firsthand about aviation careers.

“One of the Palm Springs Air Museum’s core missions is to inspire future generations,” said Fred Bell, Managing Director of the Palm Springs Air Museum. “Through the Aviation & Aeronautics Career Exploration Program, students won’t simply learn about aviation — they will experience it firsthand. We hope these experiences ignite a lifelong passion that leads many of them into aviation and aerospace careers. Aviation is facing a significant workforce shortage, and programs like AACE help build the pipeline of future pilots, mechanics, engineers, air traffic controllers, and aviation professionals.”

“We are so excited to partner with PSAM and proud to be able to provide this amazing and unique opportunity to our scholars,” said PSUSD Director of College and Career Readiness.

The inaugural program will include students from all four comprehensive PSUSD high schools:

• Desert Hot Springs High School (DHSHS) – Begins September 2
• Cathedral City High School (CCHS) – Begins October 14
• Rancho Mirage High School (RMHS) – Begins January 13
• Palm Springs High School (PSHS) – Begins February 24

Each school will participate in a six-week session held on Wednesdays at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Four sessions will feature classroom instruction, presentations from aviation professionals, and behind-the-scenes access to the Museum’s collection and restoration activities. Two sessions will provide students with hands-on flight experiences through the Museum’s nationally recognized First Flight program, allowing students to experience the thrill and responsibility of flight firsthand.

The Aviation & Aeronautic Career Exploration Program reflects the Palm Springs Air Museum’s growing commitment to education, workforce development, and community partnerships. The Palm Springs Air Museum envisions expanding the Aviation and Aeronautics Career Exploration (AACE) Program to additional school districts throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond, creating a sustainable regional model for aviation education and career exploration.

For more information about the Palm Springs Air Museum and its educational programs, visit https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/education/