(Pomona, CA) – The Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) will celebrate the grand opening of its new Aviation Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway at Garey High School on Friday, May 15, 2026. The event marks a significant milestone in the District’s ongoing commitment to expanding innovative, high-quality college and career pathways for students.
The Aviation CTE Pathway is designed to introduce high school students to careers in aviation, aerospace, and related STEM fields through classroom instruction and simulator-based learning experiences. The program has been in development for approximately two years and reflects the District’s efforts to provide students with meaningful opportunities connected to high-demand industries and future workforce needs.
Event Information
Date: Friday, May 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Garey High School
321 W. Lexington Ave.
Pomona, CA 91766
The Aviation Pathway is intended for high school students and will allow students to explore aviation industry careers, aviation certifications, aerospace technologies, and postsecondary educational pathways. Students interested in participating in the pathway will be able to request the courses through the District’s regular course selection process.
As part of the program, Garey High School currently features advanced Redbird Flight Simulators, including:
- 16 TD2 flight simulation units
- 2 Redbird LD simulators
- 1 FMX full-motion simulator
The pathway’s instructional model combines classroom learning with simulator-based experiences to help students build foundational aviation knowledge and technical skills in a hands-on environment.
Pomona Unified has collaborated with Redbird Flight Simulations and connected with regional CTE and aviation-related programs throughout the planning process. The District also hopes to build future articulation opportunities with Mt. San Antonio College to support students interested in continuing aviation education after high school.
“The Aviation CTE Pathway represents another important step in expanding opportunities for students to explore meaningful careers and develop skills connected to future industries,” said Superintedent Darren Knowles. “This pathway helps students connect classroom learning with real-world experiences while introducing them to the many educational and professional opportunities available within aviation and aerospace.”
“This Aviation CTE Pathway represents the kind of forward-thinking opportunities our students deserve,” said Pomona Unified Board President Dr. Lisa Nashua. “By exposing students to aviation, aerospace, and STEM-related careers while they are still in high school, we are helping them imagine new possibilities for their future and preparing them for industries that will continue to grow and evolve. This pathway reflects our commitment to ensuring students have access to innovative programs that connect education to real-world opportunities.”
The aviation industry continues to project workforce needs as many current pilots and aviation professionals approach retirement age, creating future career opportunities for students interested in the field. While the current focus of the pathway is classroom instruction and simulator-based training, the District will continue exploring future partnerships and opportunities related to aviation career experiences and postsecondary advancement.
High-resolution photos of the aviation classroom and flight simulators will be made available separately upon request.
Media outlets interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP in advance.
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Pomona Unified School District is a Pre-TK – Adult educational institution in east Los Angeles County serving the cities of Pomona and Diamond Bar with over 20,000 students.4