North East ISD Starts Aviation Mechanics Program

At Northeast ISD, students now have a unique opportunity to prepare for the future: NEISD has partnered with Hallmark University to offer college-level courses in the Aviation Mechanics Program – designed to help students pursue career paths in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance.

According to information from NEISD, the program, open to all NEISD juniors and seniors, allows students to earn college credits – at no cost – toward a double associate's degree in Power Plant (Aircraft Engines) and Air Frame (Aircraft Structures), and complete their freshman year in an Aviation Technician Degree Program.

Students interested in participating in the program can select the Hallmark course on their course card, and Hallmark University will contact students to complete registration, All interested students will complete a safety test and skills test.

Recently, several NEISD students participating in the burgeoning program earned a Level 1 certificate of completion in the Aviation Mechanics Program.

Angel Gonzalez of MacArthur High School and Jirina Bredberg of Reagan High School earned special recognition for making the Dean's List, and Bredberg received a trophy for earning the highest GPA.

Hallmark University states in its literature that the program – called the Aerospace College Headstart Institute, or Aero CHI – currently partners with both NEISD and San Antonio ISD, with 22 seats available for the 2019-20 school year for NEISD students and 25 seats available for SAISD students.

According to Hallmark University, students in the program can earn 31 semester credit hours – half of an AAS degree – saving students over $11,000 in tuition.

Hallmark University states it produces more FAA licensed graduates than any other program in Texas, and as of 2016, over 90 percent of its graduates were working in the field.

According to information from the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, 13,000 San Antonio employees work in the aerospace industry making an average amount of $60,000. This rapidly growing field is an exciting career choice for any up-and-coming NEISD junior or senior.