A real start: what’s happening at AMCAI this fall

By Ken Garrido | October 5, 2026

This fall, AMCAI has gone from plans to real equipment in students’ hands, and we want to thank everyone who made that happen.

What has arrived

Our educational partner, American High School Academy (AHSA), provides space for two AMCAI-sponsored STEM labs on its North and South campuses. Sea Tow Miami donated 15 life jackets for our maritime program, and PADDLE! the Florida Keys donated two kayaks for hands-on water science. Scuba Choice donated 470 pieces of snorkeling gear for our maritime program. Others have offered more equipment, and we will report each item when it arrives. These gifts are separate from the money raised on our fundraiser.

The community response

The response from our community has been wonderful. Businesses, schools and individuals have reached out with offers of equipment, expertise and time, and every one of those offers matters to us, whether it has arrived yet or not. Some items are still being arranged, shipped or scheduled, and we are grateful to everyone who has stepped forward. We will report each one as it arrives.

Our first fundraising milestone

We have started a fundraiser on GoFundMe with a first milestone of $50,000. That figure is not the cost of every project. It supports priority needs across our youth programs: lab equipment and safety supplies, computers and coding resources, field trips, student participation assistance and the development of free curriculum for schools.

To be clear about where we are: our 1947 Navion is a student restoration project and is not airworthy, and our donated boat still needs repairs, including an engine and safety equipment, before any on-water use. We are in talks about getting that work done, and we are working toward it, but nothing is finalized. We will share an update when the repairs are actually arranged. Flight and water activities depend on readiness and approved arrangements.

How you can help

  • Give any amount you are comfortable with, or share the fundraiser with one person who cares about young people’s opportunities.
  • Offer serviceable equipment, tools, an aviation headset, professional services or time as a mentor.
  • Introduce us to a business, school or foundation that wants to support free STEM learning.

Support AMCAI on GoFundMe
See current project needs
Become a sponsor

AMCAI is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, Florida registration CH77296. Free to families, always.

Thank you for helping young people discover what they can become.

Posted in STEM Aviation Innovation