- Step onto campus, feel the energy as navigate through registration lines, meet new friends, and feel your nerves transform into excitement for the week ahead.
Envision by WorldStrides
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.
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Your Flightpath Into the World of Aviation
Imagine yourself on the runway, hands on controls as engines rumble before takeoff, then behind the scenes designing and engineering aircraft that push flight boundaries. At the Aviation Academy at University of Colorado Colorado Springs, this path from imagination to experience becomes reality.
This immersive program lets you design, build, and fly radio control aircraft, take helicopter flights, and dive into aerodynamics with industry experts. Your days include engineering workshops, flight simulations, and exclusive visits to destinations like the U.S. Air Force Academy, while evenings are spent bonding with fellow future aviators.
Whether you're interested in becoming a pilot, aerospace engineer, or flight technician, this program starts you on the path to reaching for the skies while building confidence, exploring possibilities, and making lasting friendships.
Grades:
9-12Duration:
10 DaysCollege Credit Hours:
2 College CreditsFormat:
ResidentialStarting Price:
$5,499.00Locations, 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
Design, prototype, and fly your own radio control drone in a five-day, three-part workshop with Falcon AeroLab, industry professionals inspiring students in aviation and STEM. Learn about aerodynamics, aircraft assembly, and flight systems firsthand, while you implement the full scope of the engineering design process —and take home the drone you built and flew yourself.
Real Flight Experiences
Experience flight instruction in helicopters and powered aircraft, gaining practical knowledge of flight controls, navigation, and aviation operations.
Guidance from Industry Professionals
Meet aviation experts, including pilots, engineers, and NASA astronauts. Gain career insights and advice, helping you map out your potential path in aviation and aerospace engineering. You will have exclusive time with Mark Hyatt, who will share his leadership experiences, personal stories, and insights into the future of aviation—drawing on a lifetime of service as an Air Force fighter pilot, advisor to the Secretary of Defense, Vice Commandant of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and founder of Falcon AeroLab.
Aviation Challenges
Work with peers on team-based aviation projects that foster leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills necessary for a successful career in aviation.
Designed to Launch Your Aviation Career
Hands-On Aircraft Design and Flight
You'll design, build, and fly your own radio control drone with Falcon AeroLab, gaining hands-on experience with aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and propulsion technology.
Real-World Flight Experience and Instruction
You’ll enjoy three unforgettable flight experiences at the Aviation Academy: soar in a real helicopter over iconic Colorado landmarks like Garden of the Gods, take the controls in a powered aircraft alongside an FAA-certified pilot, and feel the rush of freefall at iFLY’s state-of-the-art indoor wind tunnel. Each experience includes a safety briefing and hands-on learning led by expert instructors, with lessons in aerodynamics, rotor wing mechanics, and the physics of flight. Whether you're logging airtime, watching STEM principles come to life, or connecting flight controls to your own radio control aircraft build, these high-flying adventures are the real deal.
Create a Portfolio-Worthy Mission Documentary
Document your experience through a Mission Documentary, capturing your hands-on learning, teamwork, and engineering projects. This portfolio piece is a valuable tool for college applications and demonstrates your growth and accomplishments in aviation.
Dates, Locations, & Tuition
What does the price include?
What does the price include?
Tuition includes room & board, site visits & transportation during the program, lectures, simulations, curriculum & materials, college credit, and faculty & staff.
Regions:
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
$5,499.00Residential
Dates: June 25 - July 4
Duration: 10 Days
$5,499.00Residential
Dates: July 18-27
Duration: 10 Days
We are currently evaluating all aspects of the Aviation Academy and may make changes to the curriculum, site visits or program location to ensure the program meets the most up-to-date health and safety standards.
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
Polygence Experiences
Polygence offers three programs that connect high school students with expert mentors: Pod Program for group research projects, Core Program for individual 1-on-1 mentored research, and WorkLabs for hands-on startup experience with company founders.
Tuition & Travel Protection
Optional protection plan providing comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation, medical evacuation, baggage protection, and accident insurance with assistance services.
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 classroom group, 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 from a university admissions representative about what colleges look for in applicants and how to stand out.
- Then, take part in a graduate student panel where you can ask questions about campus life, academic paths, and preparing for future careers.
- Work together in small groups to explore campus through a fun photo-based challenge.
Day 3
- Take flight in a vertical wind tunnel and see the principles of aerodynamics come alive as STEM educators guide you through immersive experiments and flight time.
- Begin the design process for your remote-controlled drone with guidance from Falcon AeroLab experts.
- Hear from Mark Hyatt, CEO and Founder of Falcon AeroLab, about his aviation journey, leadership, and advice for students pursuing careers in flight.
- 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.
- Test your aviation and general knowledge with your peers in a lively team competition.
Day 4
- Kick off with a safety briefing and insights from an experienced rotor-wing pilot. Then strap in for a thrilling sightseeing flight — soaring over landmarks. As you ride, the pilot will demonstrate the unique ways rotor blades generate lift and maneuver, giving you a front-row seat to the science and excitement of helicopter flight.
- Continue constructing your drone, refining your design and learning the fundamentals of flight systems.
- 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.
- Enjoy a fun social evening with peers, celebrating your progress and building friendships.
Day 5
- Tour the U.S. Air Force Academy, including the Visitors Center, cadet facilities, and athletic fields, while learning about cadet life and leadership.
- Advance your drone project as you integrate new components and test for stability.
- 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.
- Participate in a hands-on simulation to explore real-world decision-making, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Day 6
- Take off with an FAA-certified pilot who narrates every phase of flight and demonstrates how cockpit controls shape performance. Connect what you see in the sky to your own RC builds and experience firsthand how real pilots fly.
- Advance your drone project as you integrate new components and test for stability.
- 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.
- Spend time relaxing in the residence hall, catching up with friends, and recharging for the next day.
Day 7
- Your build takes flight: cap off your radio-controlled build at the airpark as you launch and fly your aircraft for the first time. This marks the start of your own flight experience — with the drone you keep to continue practicing at home.
- Tour historic aircraft and artifacts that shaped aviation’s past, then climb into a full-motion simulator to feel the thrill of piloting for yourself. This hands-on experience connects the innovations of yesterday with the possibilities of tomorrow.
- 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.
- Reflect on the day and spend time connecting with your group in the residence hall.
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.
- Celebrate the final evening with friends through performances, skits, and talents shared together.
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
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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.