BGSU, Toledo Public Schools partner to address workforce needs in aviation through pathway program

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SWANTON, Ohio - Bowling Green State University and Toledo Public Schools are partnering to address crucial workforce needs in aviation by developing a direct pathway for high school students to enroll in the University's highly regarded School of Aviation, which houses one of Ohio's largest aviation programs.

Through the collaborative agreement, signed on Oct. 1, TPS students from the Aerospace and Natural Science Academy of Toledo magnet school can transfer up to 28 credits, equivalent to nearly a year of classes at BGSU, into the School of Aviation in the College of Engineering and Innovation once they are admitted to BGSU. Students can participate in the program effective immediately.

Students who follow this path will be on track to graduate with a bachelor's degree in aviation, specializing in management and operations or flight technology and operations, in three years.

"By partnering with Toledo Public Schools, we are creating a direct pipeline for students to enroll in the BGSU School of Aviation to pursue a bachelor's degree in an in-demand field and enter the workforce faster," said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. "We are committed to expanding access to higher education through unique public partnerships that support our mission as a public university for the public good."

"Toledo Public Schools and Bowling Green State University have a long-standing partnership focused on empowering learners, and this new collaboration underscores that commitment by creating a direct pathway for TPS students interested in aviation careers," said Dr. Romules Durant, CEO and superintendent of Toledo Public Schools. "With our powerful community partnerships, TPS continues to create new educational opportunities that support our students and their futures while meeting workforce needs. Our six highly acclaimed magnet high schools continue to earn top-tier rankings on the State of Ohio report card with innovative programs that prepare students for success at leading universities like BGSU and in high-demand careers."

To qualify, TPS students must earn the FAA airframe and powerplant certification as part of the school's approved aviation maintenance technician program and be admitted to the BGSU School of Aviation. A secondary review process and acceptance are required for students to be admitted to the flight technology and operations specialization.

This marks the third time in less than a year that BGSU has entered into a memorandum of understanding with regional institutions to expand access to higher education and develop a pipeline for students to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, fields.

"This new partnership is a testament to our ongoing commitment to create clear pathways for students to pursue degrees in high-demand fields," said Dr. Wael Mokhtar, dean of the College of Engineering and Innovation. "Forging partnerships like this is key to supporting students in their pursuit of careers in STEM, including in aviation, which faces shortages across the country."

Late in 2024, BGSU and Penta Career Center entered into an agreement that allows students to dual enroll at the University at no cost, earning college credits while taking career-technical classes.

Then, in early 2025, Bowling Green formalized an agreement with Terra State Community College to create a 2+2 degree pathway for students to seamlessly earn a bachelor's degree from the BGSU College of Engineering and Innovation.

BGSU is one of the few universities in the country with an airport on its campus and boasts one of the country's most modern aircraft fleets.

The Bowling Green Flight Center, which has partnered with North Star Companies since 2014, operates a four-building complex, featuring 25 state-of-the-art aircraft and a newly added CRJ-700 simulator. This simulator boasts a 6-foot-tall wrap-around visual screen and an identical flight deck to that of an actual CRJ-700 aircraft.

Additionally, BGSU partners with Republic Airways, one of the largest regional airlines in the U.S., to provide students with a faster pathway to a career in aviation.