WMU, West Michigan Aviation Academy launch aviation pathway to meet growing pilot demand
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation and the West Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA) today announced a new partnership designed to help meet a sustained need for qualified aviation professionals while expanding opportunity for students pursuing careers in the industry.
Amid an ongoing personnel shortage, the aviation industry continues to face a dearth of qualified pilots and other aviation professionals, increasing the need for strong educational pathways into aviation programs and the workforce.
WMAA, located adjacent to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, is a nationally recognized public charter high school focused on aviation and STEM education.
WMU’s College of Aviation, located within an hour of home for WMAA students, is one of the nation’s most respected comprehensive aviation programs and is recognized among the top six flight schools in the world. It’s also the only aviation college in Michigan.
Under the agreement, qualified WMAA students will receive designated admission into WMU’s aviation flight science program through a pathway designed to help streamline the transition from secondary aviation education into collegiate flight training.
“We are proud to partner with the West Michigan Aviation Academy to create a guaranteed route into our aviation college for these exceptionally prepared students,” said WMU President Russ Kavalhuna, an alumnus of the University’s College of Aviation and a former commercial airline captain.
“The aviation industry needs highly trained pilots and aviation professionals, and this partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping meet that demand while expanding opportunity for students who are passionate about flight and already building valuable aviation experience before entering college.”
Beginning with the fall 2026 semester, the new WMU-WMAA Pathway Program will provide five guaranteed admission opportunities annually for qualified WMAA students seeking entry into WMU’s highly selective aviation flight science program.
“There is a real need for exceptional talent in aviation. More than 2.2 million workers are part of the aviation industry with employees in every state. But nearly a quarter of that workforce is over the age of 55, and over the next 20 years, the world will need more than 600,000 new pilots,” said Dick DeVos, founder and board president of the West Michigan Aviation Academy.
“WMAA was founded to help students pursue meaningful futures through aviation and hands-on learning, and this partnership with Western helps create a direct pathway into one of the nation’s premier collegiate aviation programs.”
The WMU-WMAA Pathway Program was celebrated during an event at WMAA’s Flight Training Center in Grand Rapids.
The relationship between WMU’s College of Aviation and WMAA dates back to the academy’s founding, when WMU faculty provided consultation and support during the development of WMAA’s aviation programs. That relationship deepened in 2024 through a credit articulation agreement recognizing coursework and learning outcomes completed by WMAA students.
The new aviation flight science pathway agreement represents the next step in that progression, creating a bridge for qualified students to transition directly into collegiate flight training at WMU.
“This collaborative partnership with Western Michigan University is a definitive win for our students, our region and the broader aviation industry,” said Nicole Gasper, CEO of the West Michigan Aviation Academy.
“By linking the exceptional aerospace preparation students receive at WMAA with WMU’s world-class flight training, we are creating seamless, guaranteed career pathways right here in West Michigan. Together, we are building a robust talent pipeline that keeps our brightest young aviation professionals local, fueling the industry's workforce demands directly from our own community.”
“WMAA students arrive with an exceptional level of preparation, technical understanding and commitment to aviation,” said Dr. Raymond Thompson, dean of WMU’s College of Aviation. “This agreement creates a transparent, merit-based route into a highly selective program while maintaining the rigorous standards expected of future aviation professionals. Together, our institutions are helping strengthen the educational continuum from secondary aviation education to collegiate flight training and ultimately into the aviation workforce.”
Patrick DeVito, a WMAA alumnus and current WMU aviation flight science student, spoke during the event about the impact both institutions have had on his aviation journey.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve looked at airplanes and imagined myself in the cockpit,” DeVito said. “WMAA gave me a place to grow that passion and build confidence in myself, and WMU has helped me continue that journey in a really meaningful way.
“Coming to Western challenged me in all the right ways. I found a community here, met people who helped me through the transition, and discovered opportunities I never expected outside the classroom and flight deck. This partnership creates opportunities for students like me to pursue aviation dreams with a clear direction and incredible support.”
Kavalhuna said that this partnership with WMAA underscores the University’s commitment to strengthening educational connections across West Michigan.
“Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan region are incredibly important to Western Michigan University,” he said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities for students across this community while strengthening relationships with outstanding educational partners like WMAA.”
About WMU’s College of Aviation
Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation is one of the largest and most respected aviation programs in the country. With more than 1,200 undergraduate students, state-of-the-art facilities, a robust fleet and programs approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, WMU provides a comprehensive aviation education grounded in Experience-Driven Learning and strong industry partnerships. Recognized among the six best flight schools in the world by Study International, the college offers the only comprehensive aviation program at a public university in Michigan and builds on more than 85 years of aviation education and experience.
About West Michigan Aviation Academy
Founded in 2010, West Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA) is an innovative, tuition-free public charter high school located on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Through a lottery-based admissions process, WMAA serves a diverse student body from more than 40 communities across West Michigan. The school provides a rigorous college-preparatory education centered on aviation and STEM, offering students unparalleled opportunities for hands-on, real-world learning. As one of the few high schools in the nation where students can earn their private pilot certificate as part of the curriculum, WMAA integrates aviation throughout the educational experience while also offering extensive pathways in engineering, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, biomedical sciences, and unmanned aircraft systems.
WMAA is committed to preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers for high-demand careers in aviation and STEM industries. Beyond academics, the school emphasizes character development, leadership, professionalism, and critical thinking, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for success in college, careers, and life. Recognized as one of Michigan’s top charter high schools, WMAA continues to attract strong demand from families seeking an engaging, future-focused educational experience that combines academic excellence with meaningful industry exposure.
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