The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has announced North Dakota has been selected as the recipient of the NASAO Center Aviation Education Program Award in recognition of its outstanding efforts to advance aviation education through the Fly-ND Aviation Career Expo.

Presented annually by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), this national award recognizes one state aviation agency each year for excellence in aviation outreach, workforce development, and public engagement. North Dakota was selected for its leadership in developing the Fly-ND Career Expo, a program that has made a significant impact in inspiring and supporting the next generation of aviation professionals across the state.

According to information from NDAC, the Fly-ND Aviation Career Expo is an annual event designed to introduce North Dakota high school students to aviation careers. Since its inception in 2020, the expo has welcomed about 200 students each year, providing hands-on experiences with aircraft, opportunities to meet industry professionals and access to scholarships that support students pursuing aviation education.

“The Fly-ND Career Expo has been a tremendous asset in showing students the many opportunities available in aviation,” said Mike McHugh, NDAC Aviation Education coordinator in the NDAC release. “It is an honor to receive national recognition, and I hope this program serves as a model for other states to help students begin their journey in our industry.”

Over the past several years, students attending the Fly-ND Career Expo have gone on to pursue aviation degrees, enter pilot and maintenance programs, and explore careers across the industry — helping strengthen North Dakota’s aviation workforce. The success of the expo is made possible through strong partnerships with the North Dakota Aviation Association, local aviation businesses and educators who mentor students and provide industry insight.

“This award is a shared honor that belongs to all who have worked together over many years to inspire the next generations of aviators,” Kyle Wanner, NDAC executive director, said in the release. “We are grateful to NASAO for this recognition and excited to build on this momentum to further expand aviation opportunities for students across North Dakota.”