USA's Marshall University and School District Launch Free 2-Year Aviation Career Pathway for High School Students

West Virginia, USA – Marshall University and Berkeley County Schools have launched the inaugural class of the AviationX career pathway program, a free two-year career and technical education pathway providing high school students with hands-on aviation training and real-world experience at Marshall's Eastern WV Regional Airport facilities from Fall 2026.

• AviationX is a free, two-year program developed through a partnership among Berkeley County Schools, Marshall University, and The Education Alliance, offering students a direct pathway to aviation careers including pilot training, aerospace engineering, aviation operations, and unmanned systems, with the option to specialise during senior year.
• Students from four Berkeley County high schools — Martinsburg, Musselman, Hedgesville, and Spring Mills — signed their commitment to the program during a ceremony at Eastern WV Regional Airport, forming the inaugural class.
• Starting Fall 2026, students will take two career and technical education courses on site at Marshall's Eastern WV Regional Airport classroom during their junior and senior years, completing an internship and relevant certification exam during the second semester of senior year.
• Shepherd University and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (BRCTC) are expected to participate in future program offerings, expanding the higher education partnership network beyond Marshall University.

Statements

• "AviationX gives our students a unique opportunity to explore aviation careers while building real-world skills. By connecting classroom learning with hands-on experience, students can discover their passions, plan for their future, and gain the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed," said Dr. Ryan Saxe, Superintendent of Berkeley County Schools.
• "We look forward to welcoming the first group of students to our facilities at Martinsburg Airport in the fall of 2026. This program will introduce students to career pathways for pilots, technicians, unmanned operators, engineers and the aviation business. Marshall University is committed to meeting the educational needs of the next generation of aviation professionals," said Bill Noe, Chief Aviation Officer at Marshall University.
• "AviationX is a powerful example of what happens when we enable students to step into real career pathways while still in high school, gaining the skills, experience and confidence they need to succeed right here in West Virginia," said Dr. Amelia Courts, President and CEO at The Education Alliance.

Source: Marshall University