The National Coalition for Aviation Education Honors FAA's STEM-AVSED Team with Strickler Award

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Mervin K. Strickler is known as the "Father of Aerospace Education." Throughout the aerospace education community there is no more distinguished individual. During World War II he served as bombardier navigator instructor. He also created and headed the U.S. Army Air Corps College of Aeronautics at Las Vegas Army Air Field during his time in the military. In 1951 Mervin K. Strickler Jr earned a doctorate from Stanford University in higher education and curriculum design, with an area of specialization in aviation education. His degree was the first ever to be granted in this field.

Dr. Strickler went on to serve as director of aviation education programs for Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters and as chief of the FAA's aviation education programs from 1960 to 1979. During his time at the FAA, Dr. Strickler, among other things, facilitated FAA scientific and technical exchanges with the Soviet Union. Dr. Strickler spoke to the importance of aerospace education and created curriculum that is still referenced today.

The Mervin K. Strickler Aerospace Education Leadership Award was established by National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education (NCASE) in 1995 to distinguish and honor excellence in aerospace education. The award recognizes those who share Dr. Strickler's commitment to aerospace education through the demonstration of outstanding accomplishment to the aerospace field through education over a continuous period of time.

This year, the FAA's Aviation and Space Education (STEM-AVSED) team is the proud recipient of this prestigious award. Established through Federal law in the 1970's, the STEM-AVSED team is composed of 11 program managers and a national program manager. Over the years, this team has developed successful partnerships with other federal agencies, leading industry players, and non-profit organizations in support of aerospace education.

During the last five years, this small, devoted group of professionals has introduced more than 1.4 million students to the world of aerospace and has supported more than 64,000 teachers across America with workshops and quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) programs. To accomplish this, each program manager works within the FAA to actively recruit thousands of FAA employees who volunteer their time as speakers, counselors, and mentors in support of the STEM- AVSED mission.

This honor has allowed the spotlight to shine on these remarkable people and recognizes the outstanding work they do every day.

The award will be presented at the National Aeronautics Association (NAA) Awards Banquet on November 13, in Arlington, VA.