Our vision is to inspire and support the next generation of aviation professionals
Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp
Explore Your Future
Our mission is to connect students with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of aviation careers through hands-on projects, tours, and flight experience.
Education
Inspiring the next generation through hands-on learning experiences. From real flight time in various aircraft to aircraft maintenance, we provide students with real-world knowledge and skills that spark lifelong passions in aviation careers.
Support
Nurturing dreams through mentorship and financial resources. We connect students with industry professionals, provide scholarships through The Elevate Award, and seek to explore new opportunities for our community to succeed in their aviation career journeys.
Connect
Building bridges between students and the aviation community. We foster relationships that last beyond camp, linking young aviators with mentors, industry leaders, and fellow enthusiasts who share their passion for flight.
Summer Camp
Minnesota ACE Camp's summer camp program offers high school students and recent graduates to explore aviation careers. Requirements include an essay, a letter of recommendation, and health insurance information for this hands-on learning experience.
The application window is open from February 1 - April 1 annually, with merit-based selection
Acceptance emails are sent out no later than April 30. All summer camps take place in June.
Scholarships
Minnesota ACE Camp's continuing education scholarship supports aviation professionals at every stage of their careers. This scholarship can support any professional development opportunity that will elevate your aviation career—from training and certifications to conferences and courses.
The application window is open from September 1 - October 31 annually
Awards are announced on #GivingTuesday
All aviation professionals are encouraged to apply, regardless of career stage.
About our Organization
Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp (Minnesota ACE Camp) was founded in 1991 by a group of industry professionals in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to promote, educate, and expose high school students to a wide variety of aviation careers. For more than 30 years, over 2000 students have graduated from Minnesota ACE Camp, many of whom are now industry leaders, professionals, counselors, and volunteers for our 100% volunteer-operated camp.
Our summer camp program offers guided tours, guest speakers, hands-on activities, demonstrations, static displays, and the chance to pilot different types of aircraft with FAA-certified flight Instructors. Our camp program aims to bridge the gap between classroom and career, helping students visualize themselves in different aviation and aerospace jobs. Our staff members, camp counselors, and mentors at Minnesota ACE Camp are there to supervise, ensure the safety of the students, and teach the values of camaraderie, inclusiveness, accountability, and mutual respect in a team-building environment. As aviation evolves, so will our camp programming as we prepare our students for ongoing changes in the industry.
On April 6, 2020, Minnesota ACE Camp became an officially recognized 501(c)3 Nonprofit. As a nonprofit, we've been able to expand our reach by seeking grants and donations from aviation professionals in our community who share our commitment to nurturing the next generation. In 2022, the Board of Directors established The Elevate Award, a continuing education scholarship to aid aviation professionals at every stage in their careers. The growth of our organization reflects the shared goals within the community and industry to inspire and support the next generation of aviation professionals as they pursue their dreams.
What once began as a summer operation has grown into a year-round organization whose mission extends far beyond camp. We eagerly seek partners who share our goal to create pathways for students from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and diversity throughout the aviation industry. Minnesota ACE Camp has become one of the most recognized aviation camps in the country thanks to our local aviation community, sponsors, donors, and volunteers. Your donations and sponsorships fuel our events, outreach, and scholarships, empowering students toward bright aviation futures.
Application Timelines