Wallops Island, Va. — Virginia officials marked the opening of the Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore this week, a new lab school aimed at preparing rural students for high-demand careers in aviation, aerospace, and STEM fields — sectors fueling some of the fastest economic growth in the state.
The academy, a partnership between Old Dominion University, Eastern Shore Community College, local school systems, and the Virginia Spaceport Authority, will connect classroom learning with industry experience. Supporters said the initiative will strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline, giving students the skills needed for jobs in a rapidly expanding aerospace sector that is drawing new investment to Wallops Island and beyond.
The school provides two pathways for students to move into the aerospace workforce: Aerospace Technology, and Aerospace Engineering and Explorations. The school’s programming allows students to engage in regional aerospace initiatives, participate in work-based learning experiences, develop an electronic portfolio, gain valuable job experience, and network with future employers. Students will have the opportunity to earn college credits to complete a Virginia Community College System Passport or Passport Plus, career studies certificates, and industry credentials and certifications.
The AAES program of study guides students in high school from 9th through 12th grade. Industry partnerships allow students to participate in hands-on, experiential mission design activities that prepare them for the workforce.
For more information, and to explore opportunities at the Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore, those interested are invited to visit AAES at ODU.
Governor Glenn Youngkin described the academy as “a realization of Virginia’s vision to connect education with opportunity,” praising the collaboration among schools, universities, and industry partners. “Students here on the Shore will have the chance to study aerospace, design satellites, and even prepare for careers that may one day take them to the Moon or Mars,” Youngkin said.
Youngkin was joined by Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera, Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller, U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, Del. Rob Bloxom, NASA Wallops officials, and business leaders. The event took place against the backdrop of Rocket Lab’s new Neutron rocket launch pad at Wallops — a project expected to bring jobs, contracts, and supply chain growth to the region.
Speakers stressed that the school will not only serve Eastern Shore students directly, but also act as a hub for designing innovative curriculum and training teachers across Virginia. The program emphasizes manned and unmanned aviation, space science, and cybersecurity — fields with growing workforce demand and significant economic potential.
Congresswoman Kiggans called the opening a “historic day” for the Shore, positioning the region as a training ground for the engineers, scientists, and pilots of tomorrow. Local leaders said that aligning education with industry needs could help the Eastern Shore retain young talent while attracting new companies seeking a skilled workforce.
“The launch of the Aerospace Academy on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a milestone for our students and our Commonwealth. By partnering with NASA and leading space companies, we are opening doors to hands-on learning, inspiring the next generation of space explorers, engineers, and innovators,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. “This academy will prepare our young people to lead in the Commonwealth’s high-demand aerospace and technology industries that are shaping the future and will be a model to learn from.”
The academy plans to enroll students later this year with programs tailored for both high school and community college levels.
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I see my grandson in the front. So very proud of him. He is smart, energetic, and also a great athlete.