Bessemer’s AAHS Plans Expansion to Birmingham

News Summary

The Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School (AAHS) in Bessemer is planning to expand with a second campus in Birmingham. The proposed campus aims to accommodate more students and offers essential training in aviation and aerospace education. As demand rises, the Birmingham Board of Education is set to vote on AAHS’s petition in January. The school emphasizes diversity and inclusion while preparing the next generation of aviation professionals. With exciting curriculum opportunities and strong community support, AAHS is poised for a bright future.

Bessemer Welcomes Potential New Horizons with AAHS Expansion Plans

Bessemer, Alabama, is buzzing with excitement as the Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School (AAHS) gears up for a big expansion! This innovative charter school, which took flight in 2022, is aiming to open a second campus in Birmingham—an addition that could have a huge impact on local education in aviation.

Plans in Motion for the Birmingham Campus

Currently, AAHS has approximately 200 students enrolled, and the demand for spots is soaring! As the school approaches capacity at its current location in Bessemer, the vision is to replicate its success in a new Birmingham location. The Birmingham Board of Education is slated to vote on AAHS’s petition this coming January. This isn’t the school’s first attempt at this; a previous petition made in 2020 was turned down due to insufficient data. However, things are looking promising this time around!

What to Expect at AAHS

AAHS isn’t just about filling seats; it’s paving the way for future aviation leaders. The inaugural graduating class is set to take off in May 2025, with a couple of standout students even set to earn their private pilot’s license by that time. In addition, many graduates are in line to achieve aircraft maintenance certification. This type of hands-on training is crucial, as the aviation industry is currently facing a significant pilot shortage, and AAHS aims to fill that gap.

New Locations Under Consideration

When it comes to location, AAHS has its sights on two prime sites in Birmingham: Birmingham Southern College and the long-vacant Kirby Middle School. The latter has been sitting empty for over a decade, but AAHS is keen on revitalizing it if chosen. A letter of intent for a site at Birmingham Southern was drafted but didn’t lead anywhere. The team remains hopeful about leasing space at one of these properties.

Future Plans and Visions

With the Birmingham campus potentially opening in Fall 2026, AAHS is also hard at work constructing a new campus at the Bessemer Airport, designed to host over 400 students and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The school plans to continue operating its Bessemer location even after the new campus opens, ensuring that all prospective students have access to quality education.

A Focus on STEM and Diversity

At AAHS, the emphasis is not just on aviation skills but also on fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Students can expect a curriculum that intertwines lessons across all subjects with a focus on aviation and aerospace education. Whether it’s through the rigorous training for commercial drone pilot licenses or private pilot licenses, AAHS is committed to nurturing a local talent pool ready to spring into the aviation workforce.

A Bright Future Awaits

Exciting plans are on the horizon, with a charter application for the new campus set to be filed in 2025, and a decision expected around May 15. Meanwhile, current enrollment stands at about 150 students, capped for new admissions until the following September. The school is inviting applications for 9th and 10th graders and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of aviators.

As the journey unfolds, it’s clear that AAHS is not just shaping students’ futures but contributing significantly to the aviation industry’s needs. With innovative programs and an eye on the future, this school is soaring to new heights in both Bessemer and the larger Birmingham area!

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Additional Resources

• Birmingham Times: AAHS Expansion to Birmingham
• Wikipedia: Aerospace
• WBRC: AAHS Second Location
• Google Search: Aerospace charter school Bessemer
• Bham Now: New Aviation High School
• Google Scholar: Aerospace education
• WBRC: AAHS Groundbreaking
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace Education
• ABC 3340: AAHS Launch
• Google News: Aerospace Aviation High School
• Yellow Hammer News: Charter Approval