Education

Waco offers a full system of quality higher education, including Baylor University, Texas State Technical College (TSTC), and McLennan Community College (MCC). The partnership of Baylor, TSTC and MCC provides the knowledge base and exceptional resources of Waco and the surrounding areas of Central Texas. The collaborative educational and occupational programs nurture business startup endeavors, industrial outreach and the workforce development needs of existing and relocating companies pursuing products and services in the aviation industry.

In addition, the Waco Independent School District offers classes that introduce students to aviation concepts and careers.

Baylor University

Baylor University is striving to advance the expanding fields of aviation and avionics through numerous education, research and workforce development opportunities. Collaborative education initiatives and interdisciplinary research programs provide a unique venue to train and educate new and existing company personnel through programs in aviation education, atmospheric research, physics and space studies, computer science and engineering. Current research within the university includes alternative fuel research, hardware and software design, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, propulsion systems, materials failure analysis, theoretical astrophysics, hypervelocity, shock and space physics, quantum gravity, and in-situ instrument design.

Visit the Baylor University web site for more information.

Texas State Technical College Waco

Texas State Technical College, a national leader in technical education, offers more than 100 associate's degrees and certificate program areas including aviation maintenance, pilot training, avionics, diesel equipment, welding, electronics, machining, mechanical engineering, automation/robotics, biomedical, fuel cell, industrial maintenance and engineering, laser electro-optics and semiconductor manufacturing. As reported in the June 27, 2004 issue of "Community College Week," TSTC Waco conferred more associate's degrees than any Texas public college in engineering-related technologies/technicians. TSTC Waco is also the No. 1 Texas college in awarding communication and information sciences associate's degrees.

Visit the Texas State Technical College Waco web site for more information.

McLennan Community College

Established in 1965, the college's mission is to provide a comprehensive range of educational programs in a dynamic, multicultural environment. MCC works closely with area business and industry to respond to local workforce needs. MCC also offers, among numerous other programs, strong math, science, engineering, and computer science programs that provide skills required for successful entry into the workforce or the basis for more advanced study.

Visit the McLennan Community College web site for more information.

Waco ISD

Waco ISD has developed a Career Pathway for Students interested in careers in aviation. As a part of the middle school technology labs, students are exposed to aviation concepts and careers. Activities include rocket building, creation of small aircraft and building hot air balloons. In addition, students are invited to join an Aviation Club. As a part of the club, students take part in additional activities that include field trips and actual flights. Waco High School provides high school students advanced courses in aviation. Courses include the History of Aviation, the Science of Flight, and Meteorology. Students take junior and senior level courses at TSTC for dual credit. Students may elect to study Aviation Maintenance or Pilot Training. As support to the aviation program, students may choose to take part in Air Force Jr-ROTC.

Visit the Waco ISD web site for more information.