iLEAD and SCVi Receive K12 Strong Workforce Grant to Grow Aerospace Pathways for Grades 9-12

For over a decade, SCVi Charter School in Castaic has been known for its cutting-edge arts and aerospace programs. Since its founding in 2008, SCVi has been a beacon for the visual and performing arts. In 2014, aerospace projects became a focal point of their rigorous project-based learning curriculum. 

Over the years, hundreds of students have learned the principles of flight, with 8th graders having the opportunity to fly gliders (or sailplanes) and some students even continuing to achieve their glider or small plane pilot’s licenses. In addition, students from 3rd grade through high school have collaboratively designed experiments that have been launched to the International Space Station to be conducted by astronauts and returned to SCVi for post-flight analysis. 

Today, iLEAD California is proud to announce its award from the K12 Strong Workforce Program (K12SWP) Grant of $899,000. iLEAD California will use a portion of this grant as seed money to expand aerospace learning at SCVi by developing its 9-12 aerospace career and technical education (CTE) pathway. The goal of this new CTE pathway is to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers by increasing college access and workforce training. 

Currently, TK-8th grade students attending SCVi learn about aviation and aerospace through engaging projects at each grade level. The launch of the high school aerospace CTE pathway will expose students to careers, skills, and dispositions needed to succeed in the aerospace industry, one of the leading industries in the Santa Clarita Valley. SCVi is poised to collaborate with knowledgeable community partners to align the aerospace curriculum with industry needs. 

Chad Powell, codirector of SCVi, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion of the school’s aerospace program. “We are so thrilled to be able to build on the aerospace accomplishments of our TK-8 students with this new pathway for high schoolers, beginning Fall 2024! SCVi has long been known for our innovative projects in this high-demand field. We look forward to further preparing students for aerospace careers.”

Learn more about our aerospace CTE pathway here!