How AMCAI and the #1 Aviation High School are Transforming the Future of Flight for Underserved Youth
The American Center for Aviation Innovation (AMCAI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Miami, Florida that’s redefining how underserved youth access opportunities in aviation, aerospace, and emerging technologies. Through tuition-free programs in drone certification, eVTOL systems, AI, and aerospace engineering, AMCAI prepares students in grades 6–12 for real-world careers in one of the fastest-growing sectors on Earth—and above it.
This is more than education. It’s access, innovation, and transformation.
FAA Part 107 Drone Certification for Youth
AMCAI offers a comprehensive FAA Part 107 Drone Certification pathway designed specifically for middle and high school students. Participants complete the full FAA-aligned curriculum and gain hands-on experience through simulators, flight labs, and supervised field missions.
Graduates are prepared to pass the FAA Part 107 exam and pursue careers in:
- Film and media
- Agriculture and environmental monitoring
- Public safety and emergency response
- Infrastructure inspection
- Logistics and delivery services
This program empowers students to graduate with a nationally recognized credential and marketable skills before they leave high school.
Urban Air Mobility and eVTOL Technician Pathway
As the aerospace industry advances toward electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and autonomous aerial systems, AMCAI is preparing students for the next frontier of flight.
Participants explore:
- eVTOL airframe design and assembly
- Electric propulsion, battery systems, and energy storage
- CAD and 3D printing using Fusion 360
- Drone-to-eVTOL component crossover
- Basic maintenance and diagnostic procedures aligned with future FAA certification tracks
This technician-level exposure opens doors to future careers in urban air mobility operations, aerospace manufacturing, and electric aviation support systems.
Aerospace Engineering and AI Integration
AMCAI integrates aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence into its core programming to ensure students understand the technologies shaping tomorrow’s skies.
In aerospace engineering, students engage in:
- Aircraft and drone design
- Aerodynamic modeling and testing
- Propulsion systems and materials science
- Industry simulation tools and project-based labs
In AI, they learn:
- Machine learning for autonomous flight
- Predictive systems in aviation
- Prompt engineering and ethical AI use
- Application of platforms like Google Colab, Teachable Machine, and ChatGPT/Gemini
This dual-track approach helps students become innovators—not just technicians—in the future of flight.
STEM Innovation Labs and the AeroClub
AMCAI students participate in a wide range of hands-on activities, including:
- 3D printing of aircraft and drone components
- Raspberry Pi and microcontroller programming
- Autonomous drone challenges and obstacle courses
- Drone racing, aviation design competitions, and hackathons
- Participation in the AMCAI AeroClub for mentorship and leadership development
These experiences build technical skill, confidence, and collaboration while reinforcing classroom learning with real-world application.
Who AMCAI Serves
AMCAI is committed to closing the opportunity gap in aviation and technology. Programs are designed for:
- Underserved and low-income youth
- First-generation students
- Youth of color in STEM
- Girls and young women in aerospace
- At-risk or non-traditional students seeking alternative pathways
We believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity must be built—and that’s what AMCAI does every day.
Tuition-Free Access Through Partnerships and Grants
As a nonprofit organization, AMCAI delivers these programs tuition-free thanks to:
- Federal, state, and local grant support
- Corporate and aviation industry sponsors
- Individual donors and philanthropic foundations
Funding provides students with access to equipment, lab space, instruction, certifications, and transportation support—ensuring no one is turned away due to financial barriers.
Join Us in Building the Future
AMCAI is seeking partnerships with:
- Aerospace and aviation companies
- School districts and charter networks
- Workforce development agencies
- Colleges and universities
- Nonprofits and foundations supporting STEM equity
Be Part of the movement
To become a program sponsor, provide equipment or internship opportunities, or fund a cohort of students, visit www.amcai.org/donate or contact info@amcai.org.
Learn About: Florida’s #1 Aviation High School a proud AMCAI Member