Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp
Connecting students with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of aviation careers through hands-on projects, tours, and flight experience.
Our vision is to inspire and support the next generation of aviation professionals.
Education
Each moment airborne is preceded by crucial ground instruction. Students encounter initial lessons covering aerodynamics, aircraft systems, airport and airline operations, and air traffic control. This classroom time will help establish a strong foundation for safety and success in program activities.
Flights
Students will receive a logbook to record initial flight hours with FAA Certified Flight Instructors. Each student will pilot a single-engine aircraft, a glider, a helicopter, and a full-motion airline simulator. Additional opportunities may include a ride-along with the Air Force Reserve in a C-130 Hercules and a splash-and-go along the Mississippi River in a Cessna Caravan!
Tours
Our program provides over 40 tours featuring numerous speakers and aviation professionals. Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, Maintenance Technicians, Drone Operators, and Aerospace Engineers share their wealth of knowledge, leaving indelible experiences for our students.
About Our Organization
Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp (Minnesota ACE Camp) was founded in 1991 by a group of industry professionals in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to promote, educate, and expose high school students to a wide variety of aviation careers. For more than 30 years, over 2000 students from around the world have graduated from Minnesota ACE Camp, many of whom are now industry leaders, professionals, counselors, and volunteers for our camp.
Our summer camp program offers guided tours, guest speakers, hands-on activities, demonstrations, static displays, and the chance to pilot different types of aircraft with FAA Certified Flight Instructors. Our camp program aims to bridge the gap between classroom and career, helping students visualize themselves in different aviation and aerospace jobs. Our staff members, camp counselors, and mentors at Minnesota ACE Camp are there to supervise, ensure the safety of the students, and teach the values of camaraderie, inclusiveness, accountability, and mutual respect in a team-building environment. As aviation evolves, so will our camp programming as we prepare our students for ongoing changes in the industry.
On April 6, 2020, Minnesota ACE Camp became an officially recognized 501(c)3 Nonprofit. As a nonprofit, we've been able to expand our reach by seeking grants and donations from aviation professionals in our community who share our commitment to nurturing the next generation. In 2022, the Board of Directors established The Elevate Award, a continuing education scholarship to aid aviation professionals at every stage in their careers. The growth of our organization reflects the shared goals within the community and industry to inspire and support the next generation of aviation professionals as they pursue their dreams.
Minnesota ACE Camp has become one of the most recognized aviation camps in the country thanks to the support of our local aviation community, donors, and countless volunteers. Our mission extends beyond the week of camp. We eagerly seek partners who are enthusiastic about introducing the exciting career opportunities available in aviation to individuals who may not yet be aware of its potential. This initiative aims to expand the scope of aviation, creating opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, thus fostering greater diversity and inclusivity within the industry. Your donations and sponsorships help us offer events, outreach, and scholarships to young adults with a bright future in aviation.