Aviation & Aerospace Education

Aviation & Aerospace Education in South Carolina

The South Carolina Aeronautics Commission (SCAC) offers support and promotes Aviation and Aerospace Education throughout the State of South Carolina. A formal policy regarding Education Grants was approved by the Commission in their meeting on November 18, 2025.

SCAC Education Grant Policy

An application form can be found on the Resources / Forms & Documents section of the website.

The primarily focus is on STEM education programs for K-12 students. There are also many organizations that offer aviation-related scholarships to students in South Carolina.

Vintage airplane with the name 'Lena' painted on the side

Celebrate Freedom Foundation

The Celebrate Freedom Foundation (CFF) is a Non-profit, Educational & Historical, 501(c)(3) Corporation. It was created to further education efforts as well as “to honor past aviation pioneers and inspire future space and aviation pioneers.”

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Challenger Learning Center

The Challenger Learning Center was established as a living memorial to the heroes of the Challenger 51-L crew. A stand-alone facility, the Challenger Learning Center of Richland County School District One was the 26th of its kind in the Challenger Center Network. It opened in February 1996. The Challenger Learning Center of Richland County School District One offers a variety of programming appropriate for K-12 students.

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Children's Museum of the Upstate

With two locations in Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina, TCMU is one of the largest children’s museums in the world and was the first children’s museum to be recognized as a Smithsonian Affiliate.

TCMU-Greenville houses more than 80,000 square feet dedicated to excellence in play-based learning for children ages 0-12, including 30 unique exhibits reflecting the areas of arts, science, health, transportation, the environment and more.

TCMU-Spartanburg houses 6,000 square feet of exhibit and learning space designed to support children ages 0-6, with a focus on early childhood development and Kindergarten readiness. Learn more here.

TCMU fulfills its mission of developing young minds into compassionate problem solvers through purposeful, intentional and accessible play-based learning opportunities.

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Civial Air Patrol members teaching young children in a classroom

Civil Air Patrol - South Carolina Wing

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Aerospace / STEM Education Programs bring over 40 free fun and engaging products and programs to our members in squadrons and classrooms throughout the nation.

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Aircraft maintenance technitians working on an airplane engine

Greenville Technical College

The growing aircraft industry requires professionally trained maintenance personnel. The Aircraft Maintenance Technology program at Greenville Technical College is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Veterans Administration and provides students with the technical, mechanical and academic skills needed to become aircraft maintenance technicians.

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Guns Garin Memorial Foundation

Our mission is twofold. First, we are here to support local military families during times of hardship. Second, the foundation exists to help educate and encourage youth to explore a career in aviation. We accomplish both of these mission objectives by providing flight training scholarships, aviation education grants, and emergency monetary relief for military families in need.

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Trident Technical College

TTC’s Aeronautical Studies programs prepare students for three tracks in the aviation industry. The Aircraft Maintenance Technology program leads to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensing or certification for airframe and powerplant.

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