In collaboration with VAI, the Jeff Pino Foundation (JPF) selected 100 students from Texas and Oklahoma schools to attend Verticon this week in Dallas. Students came from Oklahoma’s Byng District, Texas' Dubiski Career High School, and the Civil Air Patrol.

The students were chosen thanks to their schools’ dedicated aviation curricula, “positioning them to benefit from the hands-on learning experience and networking opportunities available at the event,” according to JPF. 

While at Verticon, these students are also meeting with three former JPF scholarship recipients. One has become an air traffic controller, and the other two learned to fly and are studying aeronautical engineering. 

“Verticon offers an incredible platform for students to connect with the innovators and experts shaping the future of aviation,” said Greg Brown, director of education and training services at VAI. “By immersing themselves in this dynamic environment, students gain exposure to the latest technologies and practices in the rotorcraft industry, inspiring and helping to guide their future career paths.”

JPF provides scholarships for students pursuing aviation degrees and pilot and maintenance certificates and supports educational programs such as Aero Explorers, #Hangar10, and Camp Soar.