- Arrive at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, check in, and get settled into your residence hall.
Envision by WorldStrides
Aviation Academy
Take to the skies at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, where you’ll build and fly your own drone, experience introductory flight instruction, and explore aviation careers while learning from aviation professionals, commercial pilots, and industry experts.
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Your Flight Path Into the World of Aviation
Imagine yourself on the runway, taking the controls as engines rumble before takeoff, then stepping behind the scenes to explore the aerodynamics, technology, and careers that make flight possible. At Aviation Academy on the University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus, your passion for flight comes to life through immersive, hands-on learning.
Experience different sides of aviation through real flight, hands-on activities, industry exposure, and career exploration. Build and fly your own drone, take to the skies in real aircraft, and explore aerodynamics alongside aviation professionals and industry experts.
Discover where your passion for aviation could lead—whether you see yourself in the cockpit, working hands-on with aircraft, or exploring other careers across the industry. Build confidence, uncover new possibilities, and form lasting friendships as you take the next step toward your future.
Grades:
9-12Duration:
10 DaysCollege Credit Hours:
2 College CreditsFormat:
ResidentialStarting Price:
$5,999.00Locations, program content, and speakers are subject to change.
Envision by WorldStrides
For over 40 years, Envision—part of the WorldStrides family—has helped students from elementary through high school explore their interests and uncover what excites them most. Our immersive programs are built with educators and industry experts to support career exploration, leadership growth, and college prep. Along the way, students build real-world skills, boost their confidence, and start to see a clearer path toward their future.
Why Students Choose the Aviation Academy
Hands-On Aircraft Design and Flight
Build, test, and fly your own drone through a multi-day experience with Falcon AeroLab, a Colorado-based aviation education organization founded by pilots and aviation professionals. As you assemble key components, learn flight fundamentals, and prepare for takeoff, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the technology and teamwork behind modern aviation. Put your skills to the test through guided flight activities and piloting challenges, then take your drone home as a lasting reminder of your Aviation Academy experience.
Real Flight Experiences
Take to the skies in both a helicopter and powered aircraft alongside experienced FAA-certified pilots, gaining firsthand exposure to different types of flight. Explore flight controls, aerodynamics, and how different aircraft operate while experiencing the principles and excitement of flight firsthand.
Explore Aviation Career Paths
Connect with pilots, aviation professionals, and industry experts who share firsthand perspectives on their careers and the aviation industry. Explore topics such as aerodynamics, flight systems, and aviation technology while gaining exposure to civilian and military aviation and the different career paths available across the field.
Experience Campus Life
Get a true feel for college life while staying on the University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus. Tour the university, learn about the college admissions process, and hear firsthand from current college students about campus life, academics, and career pathways. Along the way, build independence and make connections with peers from across the country.
Designed to Launch Your Future
Experience Aviation in Action
See the principles of flight come to life across different aviation experiences. Gain hands-on powered flight experience, with eligible flight time that may be recorded in your logbook, and experience rotary-wing flight following a pre-flight safety briefing. Experience aerodynamics firsthand in the iFLY vertical wind tunnel, and connect flight controls and aerodynamic principles to your own drone build and piloting experience. Go beyond the cockpit with guided visits to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, and National Museum of World War II Aviation, where engaging stories, aircraft, and opportunities to ask questions bring the world of aviation closer.
Build Skills Through Experience
Take on team-based aviation projects and challenges that put more than your technical interests to work. Collaborate with peers, solve problems, make decisions, communicate ideas, and work toward shared goals while strengthening the leadership, teamwork, and confidence that can serve you in college and future careers.
Tell Your Flight Story
Capture your Aviation Academy journey through a Flight V-Log, a team-created video documentary that brings your experience to life. Record flight experiences, behind-the-scenes moments, campus adventures, and highlights from throughout the program, then work with your team to create and present a final video. It's a fun and creative way to reflect on everything you've experienced while preserving memories you'll be able to look back on long after the program ends.
Dates, Locations, & Tuition
Earn College Credit From George Mason University
Thanks to the academic rigor of this program, you'll earn two college credits as a non-degree high school guest at George Mason University. These credits can boost your college applications and demonstrate real academic achievement.
Featured Extras
*Available for purchase during enrollment
Private Airport Shuttles
We’ll take care of the ride. Let us handle the airport transportation so your student can start their adventure stress-free. Our private shuttle brings them straight to the housing site and returns them to the airport at the end of the session. Safe. Supervised. Comfortable. Add the airport shuttle in your account after registration, for an additional fee.
Tuition & Travel Protection
Optional protection plan providing comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation, medical evacuation, baggage protection, and accident insurance with assistance services.
Full Refund Program
For an additional fee, WorldStrides offers protection for your investment through the Full Refund Program (FRP). Should you need to cancel your trip for any reason after the 24-hour grace period from registration, or in the event that your program is cancelled as a result of Uncontrollable Circumstances (as defined below), the FRP protects your investment by reimbursing you for 100% of the amounts you’ve paid in, minus the FRP enrollment fee, any other Non-Refundable Fees.
Sample Itinerary
* Exact itinerary will vary by session and location. Participants should reference the itinerary provided as part of their enrollment package
Day 1
- Meet your Advisor and fellow student groups. Participate in icebreakers, set expectations, and begin your journey as a team.
Day 2
- Discover your personality traits and learn how to collaborate effectively with peers, setting the stage for successful teamwork throughout the week.
- Get introduced to the week-long documentary project where you’ll capture highlights of your experience to share with peers at the end of the program.
- Hear directly from university students where you can ask questions about campus life, academic paths, and preparing for future careers.
- Students learn about the college admissions process works and tour the UCCS campus.
Day 3
- Begin with a safety briefing and introduction from an experienced rotary-wing pilot, then take to the skies to experience the unique dynamics of helicopter flight firsthand.
- Begin building your drone with guidance from Falcon AeroLab experts. Get familiar with the components, complete a parts inventory, and start assembling your drone.
- Meet an aviation professional and hear firsthand about their career journey, experiences in the field, and lessons learned along the way.
- Assign roles, review the week’s events, and map out what to capture. Begin drafting your shot list for workshops, site visits, and speaker moments.
Day 4
- Begin with a safety briefing and then take to the skies with an FAA-certified pilot to experience flight controls and powered flight firsthand.
- Continue assembling your drone, as you explore its electrical components and learn how the transmitter controls its functions.
- Hear from an aviation professional about the innovations, challenges, and opportunities shaping tomorrow’s skies.
- Start recording highlights from iFLY, guest speakers, and your first RC build session. Capture interviews and commentaries to bring your story to life.
Day 5
- Tour the U.S. Air Force Academy, including the Visitors Center and cadet facilities while learning about cadet life and leadership.
- Continue building your drone while learning how the controls work and completing a pre-flight systems check.
- Connect with a commercial pilot as they share firsthand experiences, career paths, and advice for aspiring aviators.
- Document key experiences like the helicopter flight and Falcon AeroLab workshop. Gather behind-the-scenes footage and add your own narration.
Day 6
- Step into the iFLY vertical wind tunnel to experience aerodynamics in action and take flight with guidance from a certified iFLY flight instructor.
- Complete your drone assembly, and prepare it for flight as you explore maneuverability and flight readiness.
- Gain insights from an aviation industry expert about the training and expertise needed to succeed in the field.
- Film your Air Force Academy visit and team activities. Record reflections, reactions, and challenges to show both the fun and the learning.
Day 7
- Your build takes flight: cap off your drone build at the airpark as you launch and fly your completed aircraft for the first time. This marks the start of your own flight experience with the drone you'll take home to continue practicing your piloting skills.
- Tour historic aircraft and artifacts that shaped aviation’s past while hearing the stories behind them from knowledgeable guides.
- Explore and unwind, and bond with friends as you enjoy the shops, food, and atmosphere of this vibrant Colorado town.
Day 8
- Explore authentic aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits that bring to life the innovation and bravery of World War II aviation. Learn how wartime engineering shaped modern flight and connect past breakthroughs to your own hands-on experiences.
- Find your voice and build confidence as you practice the communication skills that make strong leaders and are valued by every future employer.
- Edit sequences from the airplane flight, technical workshops, and Wings Over the Rockies. Test narration, music, and text to shape your story.
Day 9
- Finalize your film, editing and polishing footage to highlight your journey and achievements.
- Rehearse and refine your group presentation, applying feedback from your advisor and peers.
- Take the stage to share your completed projects and documentaries, showcasing your growth and learning.
- Come together with your team to reflect on the week’s experiences and celebrate what you’ve accomplished.
Day 10
- Head home with new memories, lifelong friends, and experiences you’ll carry into the future.
- Students flying home will be escorted to the airport; all others will remain on campus until pick-up.
Health & Safety
Travel with confidence knowing you're never alone out there. When you choose Envision by WorldStrides, you've got an entire support network working around the clock to keep you safe.
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Safety Monitoring
Extensive Preparation
Local Support
Testimonials
Your Nomination Makes An Impact
For over 40 years, Envision’s programs have helped students discover their passion, test drive careers, and develop as leaders. Give students an opportunity to reach their full potential by nominating them today.