Aerospace Center for Excellence

Sponsor Website
Sponsor Description
In 2014, SUN ‘n FUN introduced the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), unveiling our 14-building aerospace STEM facility located on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus. Anchored by the Central Florida Aerospace Academy, a Polk County Public High School Career Academy, and Florida Air Museum, established as Florida’s official aviation museum in 2005, ACE boasts an impressive array of STEM learning environments.
Aerospace-themed summer camps and student outreach programs are presented by ACE staff to over 30,000 students annually, and educator assistance programs provide STEM-based curriculum and lesson plans for teachers at all grade levels. Hands-on learning activities are available for all ages, and include everything from stomp rockets and balsa gliders to real aircraft construction and maintenance programs. There is even a fully functioning Boeing 727 on the campus that serves as a unique learning laboratory. Annually, ACE provides educational support to the aerospace industry, including pilot, maintenance technician, and college scholarships.
Industry Category
- Aviation Business Administration/Management
- Aeronautical Science
- Agricultural Aviation
- Astronautics
- Aeronautics/Aerospace Engineering
- Airport Management
- Airport Operations/Development
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Aerospace Medicine
- Air Traffic Control
- Pilots and Aircraft Owners
Active Scholarships
- Aerospace Center for Excellence Scholarship (awarded through Polk Education Foundation)
- James C. Ray Continuing Education Scholarship
- John “Lites” Leenhouts Scholarship
- Ready. Set. Soar Scholarship
- The James C. Ray Scholarship Fund
- The JSfirm.com Airframe and Power Plant Scholarship
- Top Gun Scholarship
- Wingman Scholarship
- Women ACEs Scholarship