Western Michigan University

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.