Bridgewater, VA — The Governor’s Aerospace Advisory Council, chaired by Delegate Shelly Simonds (Newport News), convened on April 25, 2025, at Dynamic Aviation in Bridgewater, Virginia, to discuss major statewide developments in aviation and aerospace. The meeting brought together leaders from public agencies, higher education, and global aerospace firms. Discussions centered on technology innovation, workforce readiness, and Virginia’s expanding role in the future of flight. The gathering reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration in maintaining the Commonwealth’s leadership in aerospace.
Among the featured speakers was Dr. Rachel White, Director of the Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore at Old Dominion University, who presented on ODU’s innovative approach to preparing the next generation of aerospace professionals through K–12 and higher education collaboration.
“We are not just introducing students to aerospace,” Dr. White shared during her remarks. “We are immersing them in the systems thinking, data analysis, and hands-on engineering that define the field—starting as early as ninth grade.”
Her presentation highlighted the Aerospace Academy’s unique model as part of Virginia’s College Partnership Lab School initiative. The Academy, set to launch in Fall 2025, will serve students in Accomack and Northampton Counties. It offers a hands-on, STEM-focused curriculum designed in collaboration with NASA Wallops Flight Facility, the Virginia Spaceport Authority, and regional industry leaders. The program aims to connect students directly with career pathways in aerospace and advanced technology fields.
The Council also heard updates from representatives of Virginia Tech, the Virginia Spaceport Authority, the Virginia Department of Aviation, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, United Airlines, and Wing. Presenters highlighted ongoing initiatives, upcoming projects, and areas of opportunity across both commercial and government aerospace sectors. A key theme across the morning’s agenda was how Virginia can strengthen its aerospace workforce pipeline. Leaders emphasized the importance of aligning K-12 and higher education programs with the evolving needs of the aerospace industry to ensure a steady stream of skilled, career-ready talent.
The meeting concluded with a tour of Blue Ridge Community College’s aviation program, further emphasizing the Commonwealth’s commitment to developing local talent through hands-on training and community college partnerships.
As Virginia continues to expand its aerospace ecosystem, ODU’s involvement—through both its K–12 initiatives and higher education programs—positions the university as a critical partner in cultivating future-ready talent for one of the state’s fastest-growing sectors.
For more information about the Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore, visit aaes.oduceio.org.
