Rochester, MI – The Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) Foundation will host two in person Drone Soccer trainings on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Northern Michigan University’s Innovation Hall (2296 Sugar Loaf Ave, Marquette) from 9:00 am- 3:00 pm and Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Manchester Community Schools (20500 Dutch Dr, Manchester). Select observation opportunities are available, and if interested, individuals may reach out to Brittany Telander, AIAM Foundation Executive Director, at [email protected]. This hands-on training is part AIAM Foundation’s effort to expand the Drone Soccer initiative throughout Michigan.

In early 2025, the AIAM Foundation held drone soccer demonstrations with an initial concentration in the Upper Peninsula. This effort aligned with the AIAM Foundation’s mission to impact underserved and rural communities. Additional demos were provided in response to organic outreach to the Foundation from interested schools statewide. Following these demonstrations, Hancock Middle High School, Tahquamenon Area Schools, Rapid River Schools, Hudson Area Schools, and Washtenaw ISD received grants to develop a Drone Soccer program. Administrators from these schools will participate in an in-person training session led by AIAM’s national partner CrewConcept, based in Colorado Springs.

CrewConcept provides virtual instruction at frequent intervals year-round. In-person trainings are scheduled upon request to provide direct, hands-on implementation support. Through the AIAM Foundation’s $100,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), both options are available to awarded schools.

Throughout the day, participants will:

• Build confidence in flying Drone Soccer drones

• Learn key flight maneuvers and classroom/lab management strategies

• Troubleshoot setup for drone programming and accompanying equipment

•  Practice proper care and maintenance of drones, batteries, and arenas, and much more

“Drone Soccer aims to spark students’ curiosity and build valuable skills that apply to any industry, from teamwork and problem-solving to engineering and technology. While flying drones or working in the aerospace industry might not be every student’s chosen path, the experience and disciplines gained through this program are universally valuable,” said Brittany Telander, Executive Director of the AIAM Foundation. “We’re working to build awareness and stimulate passion for STEM learning and innovation.”

Rochester, MI – The Fourth Annual Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge (MYFFC) is a statewide virtual aerospace competition for students in grades 4–8. The program provides young learners with opportunities to explore key aerospace concepts and gain insight into potential careers in the field. This year, the judges were so impressed with the submissions that the competition resulted in a first place pize and a tie for second place—leading to two second-place awards being presented instead of a third place winner. The MYFFC is supported by the Women of the Industry Association of Michigan (WAIAM) commitee.

The MYFFC kick-offed on October 11th, followed by four weeks of creativity, with final presentations presented November 8th. The mission was to create a unique, sustainable way of flight to solve one of three challenge statements about Community, Space, or the Future – allowing students to apply their passion and interests to STEM while creating their solutions.

This project involved critical thinking in engineering, marketing & design, and business planning & sales. Industry professionals in these areas mentored the student groups assigned to them to answer questions, provide feedback, and teach them about their job in the aerospace industry. We had 19 teams and 19 professional industry mentors from around the state participating in this competition.

On November 8th, teams presented their projects in front of a panel of judges. Their projects were truly outstanding and showed how much an event like this can influence their interest in aerospace! This year, among all the amazing presentations, we had a tie for second place, so two second-place prizes were awarded, preventing a third place prize.

Take a look below for a summary of the winning teams projects.

1st Place, $1000 Prize: Team Sky Scouts – 6th Grade

Team Sky Scouts designed an environmentally sustainable solution that ensures access of medicines to all the residents in MI who live in pharmacy deserts. With their Med Drop Messenger, this team created a drone delivery system designed to deliver OTC and prescription medicines to users who cannot pick them up from the pharmacy due to various challenges.

2nd Place (tie), $600 Prize: Team Nerd Girls – 8th Grade

Team Nerd Girls looked at natural disasters in different communities to create a self-flying drone that uses AI and 360 cameras to locate lost people and pets who are stranded. Their drone captures GPS and visual data which is then processed by AI technology that can pass important information or situations on to be addressed.

2nd Place (tie), $600 Prize: Team The Condors – 4th Grade

Team The Condors designed a hydrogen and biofuel powered aircraft that eliminates the use of fossil fuels, and is accessible with biofuel generators in rural communities. They built upon existing electric and hybrid propulsion vehicles to create their innovative flight solution for a carbon free airline.

Most Creative Honorable Mention, $200 Prize: Team Sweet Power Girls – 4th-8th Grade

Team Sweet Power Girls created a flying car that is solar powered and designed based on their research on biomimicry – using the model of a gecko to help their vehicle grip surfaces, shark skin to keep safe from bacteria, and owl wings so the car can fly smooth and quietly.

Throughout this competition, multiple in-person and online connections between students and industry mentors were made. The students and their mentors will continue to foster these relationships to learn more about the aerospace industry and how they can continue to be a part of it in the future!

WAIAM helps inspire the next generation of creative students who will lead and innovate Michigan’s aerospace industry. By connecting students with industry mentors, WAIAM fuels interest and passion for STEM.

The Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan Foundation (AIAMF) is launching a new initiative to bring Drone Soccer—a fast-growing, team-based STEM sport—into Michigan classrooms, thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

The Drone Soccer program combines robotics, aviation, and collaborative problem-solving into an engaging educational experience for middle and high school students. In partnership with CrewConcept, AIAMF will provide participating schools with drone kits, a portable arena, integrated curriculum materials, and training for educators.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for their support in launching this initiative,” said Tony Vernaci, CEO of AIAM. “Their investment underscores the importance of aligning education with industry needs.” 

The AIAM Foundation piloted the initiative with a series of “Experience Drone Soccer” demonstrations at schools across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula this spring. Following these events, Upper Peninsula schools were invited to apply for funding to launch their own Drone Soccer programs for the 2025-2026 school year.

The first recipients of the Drone Soccer grant are:

• Hancock Middle & High School

• Tahquamenon Area Schools

• Rapid River Public Schools

Through Drone Soccer, students will develop technical skills, explore career pathways, and gain direct access to industry mentors through AIAM’s statewide network of aerospace companies, technical training centers, and post-secondary institutions.

“Drone Soccer is more than an engaging STEM sport and classroom opportunity; it’s an investment in Michigan’s future workforce,” said Brittany Telander, Executive Director of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan Foundation. “By introducing students to hands-on STEM experiences early, we’re helping build the skills and passion needed to supply Michigan’s aerospace industry with the next generation of innovators, engineers, and technicians.”

For more information, visit https://aiamnow.com/aiam-foundation/

Over the course of three days in Grand Rapids, aerospace leaders from 24 states came together to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and set the course for aerospace innovation. As we move the industry forward together, I want to highlight a handful of the many memorable moments that made this year’s event so impactful.

Pratt & Whitney, Moeller Aerospace, and Eaton Aerospace ignited AeroOne 2025 with record roundtable participation. 

Valuing the unique format to meet attendees and network with businesses, participants described the roundtable experience as “engaging, collaborative, informative, and insightful” – setting a powerful tone for the rest of the conference.

Keith Flail, SVP & GM of Fluid & Electrical Distribution at Eaton Aerospace, continued this theme by kicking off Thursday’s session with a question none of us will forget: “How many parts does it take to build an aircraft? All of them.”  It takes every single supplier, working together with honesty and open collaboration, to deliver safe, quality aircraft on time. 

Dr. Lyon (Brad) King, CEO & Co-Founder of Orbion Space Technology, illuminated the staggering potential within satellite production. His images of the current satellite infrastructure – and projections of future demand – underscored the immense growth opportunities awaiting suppliers ready to scale and innovate in this rapidly evolving industry. 

Thursday evening, we honored Tony Vernaci, AIAM’s Founder and one of aerospace’s greatest advocates. In recognition of his extraordinary vision and lifelong dedication to advancing Michigan’s aerospace industry, the AIAM Board of Directors established the Tony Vernaci Aerospace Futures Fund. This endowed fund will annually support the mission and pillars of the AIAM Foundation. Learn more about the Fund and how to donate here.

Following Friday’s breakfast, speakers Chris Flynn, VP of Military Development Programs & GATORWORKS at Pratt & Whitney, and Peter Johnson, VP and GM of Boeing’s Fabrication Division, underscored the urgent need for talent development in sustaining the aerospace supply chain. Another memorable line was delivered: “the workforce of 2035 is in middle school today.”  Attendees saw how AIAM is helping to inspire the next generation of aerospace talent through our Drone Soccer initiative — now in five Michigan schools because of Foundation grants

Mark your calendars for AeroOne 2026, September 9-11 (location to be announced at a later date).  

The Women of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (WAIAM) is proud to announce the fourth annual Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge (MYFFC)—a free, virtual aerospace design competition open to Michigan students in grades 4 through 8. The challenge empowers students to work in teams, connect with professionals in aerospace, and design innovative flight solutions to real-world problems.

Registration is open and a kick off event will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Final team presentations are to be delivered virtually on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Throughout the competition, each team of two to six students will select a pre-determined challenge statement and collaborate to develop a unique flight-based solution. Teams will be guided by mentors from Michigan’s aerospace industry, offering students hands-on insight into careers in STEM and beyond.

“The Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge is more than a competition—it’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. By connecting students with real aerospace professionals and encouraging creative teamwork, we’re opening doors to exciting futures in STEM that many may have never imagined possible,” said Lissa Barron, Committee Member of Women of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (WAIAM).

The MYFFC welcomes students of all interests—from STEM and engineering to art, business, and marketing—highlighting the broad range of careers available in the aerospace sector. All participants will receive an official event T-shirt, and top teams will be eligible to win prizes of up to $1,000.

In 2024, the challenge drew 80 students and 30 mentors from across Michigan. This year, WAIAM will continue its partnership with Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore (GSMISTS) and the MiSTEM Network to expand outreach and participation. Girl Scouts who complete the challenge will earn the Business Jumpstart Badge.

“One of the most powerful aspects of the Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge is that it welcomes every kind of thinker and dreamer. Aerospace is a team effort, and this challenge shows students how their unique skills can make a real impact in the industry,” said Rachel Plowman, Co-Chair of Women of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (WAIAM).

WAIAM is an affinity group of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM). Its members advocate for aerospace education and career pathways through mentorship, outreach, and representation, working to increase visibility and access to aerospace careers for students statewide.

The Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge is proudly supported by the AIAM Foundation, aligning with its mission to build Michigan’s talent pipeline and inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals.

To register and learn more about the Michigan Youth Future Flight Challenge, visit: https://aiamnow.com/youth-future-flight-challenge/

Rochester, MI – The Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) announces a leadership change as Tony Vernaci is named Chief Executive Officer and Aaron Johnson becomes President. Vernaci, who founded AIAM in 2017, has helped position the organization as a key force in Michigan’s aerospace industry. As CEO, Tony will continue guiding AIAM’s long-term vision focused on investment, talent development, and relationship development in the industry. In addition Tony will be working to grow AIAM’s Foundation and expand the Foundation programs in supplier development.

“Aaron’s experience and commitment to member engagement make him the right leader to take AIAM forward,“ said Vernaci.

Johnson previously served as AIAM’s Executive Director of Member Relations, where he strengthened recruitment and engagement efforts. He brings more than a decade of leadership experience, including his role as Industry Business Development Manager of the Michigan Defense Center at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and President of Serenus, where he led major infrastructure projects and strategic initiatives.

“I’m honored to step into this role,” said Johnson. “AIAM has done an incredible job raising awareness of Michigan’s aerospace industry. We’re proud to work alongside a remarkable group of educational, legislative, and business community partners. Together, we’re advancing a vision to make Michigan the top state for aerospace.”

“We’re entering an exciting new chapter at AIAM,” said Matt Eurich, AIAM Chairman and Chief Operations Officer at Genuen. “Tony’s vision and unwavering dedication have established a strong foundation for the organization. With Aaron’s fresh perspective and proven leadership, I’m confident we will continue building on that momentum and advancing Michigan’s aerospace industry.”

AeroOne Summit returns, advancing the future of the aerospace industry