West Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA), a charter high school in Grand Rapids, partnered with Western Michigan University's College of Aviation on the WMU-WMAA Pathway Program, which guarantees admission to WMU's aviation program for five qualified WMAA students who meet certain academic requirements.
Community partnerships are nothing new for Michigan's charter schools, but this one is truly remarkable. It will benefit WMAA graduates and the aviation industry, which has been experiencing a shortage of qualified pilots entering the profession. The partnership was announced this past summer during a ceremony at WMAA
WMU officials say that due to an ongoing personnel shortage, the aviation industry continues to face an insufficient number of qualified pilots and other aviation professionals, increasing the need for strong educational pathways into aviation programs and the workforce.
"We are proud to partner with the West Michigan Aviation Academy to create a guaranteed route into our aviation college for these exceptionally prepared students," said WMU President Russ Kavalhuna, a graduate of the University's College of Aviation and a former commercial airline captain.
"The aviation industry needs highly trained pilots and aviation professionals, and this partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping meet that demand while expanding opportunity for students who are passionate about flight and already building valuable aviation experience before entering college."
As one of the only public schools in the country that focuses on aviation, West Michigan Aviation Academy is located at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. Since opening in 2010, hundreds of WMAA students have earned their private pilot's licenses at the school.
Several WMAA graduates have gone on to careers in aviation, including several who also graduated from WMU's elite aviation school.
Among them is Josh Nienhaus, the first WMAA student to earn his private pilot's license and a member of the school's first graduating class in 2014. He attended the WMU College of Aviation and is now a pilot for Allegiant Air.
"There is a real need for exceptional talent in aviation. More than 2.2 million workers are part of the aviation industry, with employees in every state. But nearly a quarter of that workforce is over the age of 55, and over the next 20 years, the world will need more than 600,000 new pilots," said Dick DeVos, founder and board president of West Michigan Aviation Academy.
"WMAA was founded to help students pursue meaningful futures through aviation and hands-on learning, and this partnership with Western helps create a direct pathway into one of the nation's premier collegiate aviation programs."
WMU is one of the few public universities in Michigan that doesn't authorize charter schools, so it's significant that it's showing support for one of the state's highest-achieving charter schools.
The university has had a smaller relationship with WMAA since the school opened. WMU faculty members provided guidance and support when WMAA opened, and in 2024, both schools signed a credit articulation agreement that recognizes coursework and learning outcomes completed by WMAA students.
The partnership was taken to a whole new level with the announcement of the WMU-WMAA Pathway Program.
"This collaborative partnership with Western Michigan University is a definitive win for our students, our region, and the broader aviation industry," said Nicole Gasper, CEO of West Michigan Aviation Academy.
"By linking the exceptional aerospace preparation students receive at WMAA with WMU's world-class flight training, we are creating seamless, guaranteed career pathways right here in West Michigan. Together, we are building a robust talent pipeline that keeps our brightest young aviation professionals local, fueling the industry's workforce demands directly from our own community."
It's another outstanding example of a charter school teaming up with a partner to benefit students and the community.
What is a guaranteed admission pathway program?
A guaranteed admission pathway is an agreement between a school and a college under which students who meet agreed-upon academic requirements are assured a spot in a specific program. It gives students a clear goal to work toward in high school and gives the college a pipeline of prepared applicants.
What is a credit articulation agreement?
A credit articulation agreement is a formal arrangement in which a college agrees to recognize coursework completed at another institution, so students don't have to repeat material they've already mastered. It’s often the first step toward deeper partnerships like the WMU-WMAA Pathway Program.
What careers are available in aviation besides piloting?
The aviation industry employs far more than pilots. Common careers include aircraft maintenance technicians, air traffic controllers, airport operations and management, avionics, and aviation safety and logistics. Many students who start in a pilot-focused program can transition into these related roles.
How does someone become a commercial airline pilot?
Pilots typically progress through a series of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications, starting with a private pilot certificate, then adding an instrument rating and a commercial certificate, and building flight hours before airline hiring. Aviation degree programs are one common route, and requirements change over time, so students should check the FAA's current rules.
Can public high schools focus on a specific career field like aviation?
Yes. Career-focused public schools, including some Michigan charter public schools, build their curriculum and partnerships around a field such as aviation, health care, or the skilled trades, while still offering the core academics every public school provides.
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