As students across the Tampa Bay area head back to school, new notebooks and sharpened pencils signal the start of another year filled with possibility. But here at Albert Whitted Airport, we believe that some of the most exciting learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom—it happens in the sky.


This back-to-school season, we invite students, parents, and educators to consider a different kind of education. One that starts with curiosity in the classroom and could lead to a seat in the cockpit.

Aviation has a unique way of tying school subjects to real-world applications.
– Physics and math come alive in the lift of a wing.
– History is grounded in the stories of aviation pioneers.
– Technology and engineering are visible in every modern aircraft.

When students connect what they’re learning in school to something as awe-inspiring as flight, the spark of possibility can ignite a lifelong passion—and even a career path.

At Albert Whitted Airport, we see that transformation happen every day. Young people visit the observation deck at The Hangar restaurant or meet a local pilot and suddenly realize: “I could do that.”

Through the Friends of Albert Whitted Airport (FOAWA) Scholarship Program, local students aren’t just dreaming about aviation—they’re actively training to become the next generation of pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers, and aerospace professionals. And for many, this journey starts during the school year.

Aviation is for students of all ages. Many students begin flight lessons while still in high school. Others get involved through local STEM programs, aviation clubs, or Civil Air Patrol. With the right exposure and encouragement, a teenager’s after-school hobby can become a college major—and eventually, a career.

AWA and FOAWA are proud to support students at every step of that journey, offering mentorship, resources, and scholarships that remove financial barriers and open new doors.

As you settle into the rhythm of the new school year, we encourage you to:
– Visit AWA as a weekend learning adventure
– Talk to a student pilot or flight instructor
– Ask your school about aviation-related STEM programs
– Apply (or plan to apply) for a FOAWA scholarship
– Support a young person’s interest in flying—no matter where they start

Want to help launch a student’s journey from classroom to cockpit?
Support FOAWA’s scholarship fund; become a member of FOAWA; or learn more about our programs at https://foawa.org.