STEM Flights
STEM Flights is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects middle and high school students nationwide with volunteer Pilot Mentors for free STEM-focused aviation learning experiences and longitudinal career mentorship.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersAlexandria, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What STEM Flights does
STEM Flights is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, founded in 2018 by retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Dave Brubaker. Its mission is to connect middle and high school students (grades 6-12) with volunteer Pilot Mentors for free educational flight experiences that integrate STEM learning with aviation. The organization pairs each student with a licensed pilot mentor in their local community and prepares them through four pre-flight STEM Missions covering Commercial Aviation and Military Flying, Climate and Environmental Sciences, Drones and Advanced Air Mobility, and Aerospace Engineering and Coding. Following the flight, students are enrolled in STEM Flight Following, a longitudinal tracking program that maintains annual contact, distributes monthly newsletters, and provides scholarships and mentorship resources for 5+ years.
The platform is built on a Wix-hosted website with Google Forms-based application workflows, email communications, and a student tracking system. Supporting products include free NGSS-aligned Lesson Plans for educators, a Student Ambassador Program, quarterly Pilot Mentor Webinars, and branded merchandise sold through Bonfire. STEM Flights is funded entirely through donations, grants, individual donors, and corporate sponsors (including the Ray Foundation and Parker Aerospace), with participation offered at no cost to students or families. The program operates through a network of volunteer pilots and partnerships with aviation organizations (AOPA, EAA, Women in Aviation, NBAA, Air Care Alliance), educational associations (NSTA, STEM.org), and flight schools across 49 U.S. states.
STEM Flights firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- STEM Flights
- Legal name
- STEM Flights
- Website
- https://stemflights.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- STEM Flights is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects middle and high school students nationwide with volunteer Pilot Mentors for free STEM-focused aviation learning experiences and longitudinal career mentorship.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
STEM Flights industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Youth Aviation and STEM Education Services
- NAICS
- Flight Training (611512)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- STEM Research & Inquiry Programs (Research Mentorship, Science Fair Prep) (EDAMABAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)
Keywords
Where STEM Flights is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Alexandria
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
STEM Flights business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Grants: STEM Flights is funded through private family foundations, grants, individual donors, and corporate sponsors. Donations support flight operations, curriculum development, program management, administrative costs, and national outreach campaigns.
- Merchandise Sales: STEM Flights sells branded merchandise (shirts, hoodies) through Bonfire to support flight operations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Free | Free Student Program - No cost to students |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels12 records
STEM Flights product offering
Product offeringCore offering
STEM Flights is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free, mission-based flight experiences to middle and high school students (grades 6–12), pairing each student with a volunteer Pilot Mentor in their local community. Students complete four pre-flight STEM Missions online before flying, then participate in a hands-on cockpit learning experience, and continue into a multi-year post-flight mentorship, scholarship, and tracking program. Supporting offerings include free NGSS-aligned lesson plans for educators, a student ambassador leadership program, and pilot mentor recruiting/training.
Product overview
STEM Flights is a national nonprofit organization operating as a single, unified educational program centered on providing free flight experiences to middle and high school students. The core offering consists of STEM Flight Experiences where students are paired with volunteer Pilot Mentors for hands-on aviation learning. Students prepare through four distinct STEM Missions (Commercial Aviation & Military Flying, Climate & Environmental Sciences, Drones & Advanced Air Mobility, and Aerospace Engineering & Coding) before their flight. Supporting the core experience, the organization offers STEM Flight Following (post-flight resources and tracking), free Lesson Plans for Educators (NGSS-aligned, 6th-12th grade), a Student Ambassador Program for alumni leadership, quarterly Pilot Mentor Webinars, an Educator Product Form for lesson plan downloads, and an online Student Application system requiring parental consent and teacher recommendations. The program operates in all 50 U.S. states through volunteer pilots.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- STEM Flight Following™: A program that helps students transform their interest in STEM and Aviation into career steps, providing ongoing resources, scholarships, and mentorship after the initial flight experience.
- Pilot Mentor Program
- Student Ambassador Program
Products and services
- STEM Flight Experiences Free educational flight experiences connecting middle and high school students in grades 6-12 with volunteer Pilot Mentors in their local community for hands-on STEM and aviation learning in the cockpit. The program is free for students, available in all 50 U.S. states, and is supported by NGSS-aligned pre-flight curriculum and post-flight mentorship.
- STEM Flight Following Post-flight tracking and resource program (STEM Flight Following™) that maintains annual contact with students for 5+ years, distributes a monthly STEM and aviation newsletter, and connects students with scholarships, career exploration, mentorship, and aviation resources following their initial flight experience.
- Lesson Plans for Educators Free NGSS-aligned lesson plans (grades 6–12) bringing aviation and STEM learning into classrooms. Includes complementary educator resources and is offered free of charge to teachers via an online download form.
- Student Ambassador Program Leadership program for high school students who have previously completed a STEM Flight; ambassadors promote STEM opportunities in their schools and communities, encourage other students to apply, and may provide letters of recommendation for new applicants.
Quantifiable outcome
- Former students have become commercial pilots, been accepted into aviation degree programs, and secured military pilot training slots
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use STEM Flights
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
STEM Flights technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
STEM Flights partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Crosswinds AviationcoreMichigan-based flight school that serves as a flight school partner. Pilot mentors at this location provide STEM Flights experiences to students in Michigan.
- AeroEducatecoreEAA's free online aviation program for youth. STEM Flights partners with AeroEducate to help students continue their STEM and aviation development after their flight experience.
- Aviation AdventurescoreVirginia-based flight school partner providing STEM Flights experiences to students in the Virginia area.
- Michigan Flight PathminorMichigan-based aviation initiative working to expand aviation awareness and opportunities in the state.
- Air Care AlliancecoreOrganization supporting volunteer pilot organizations. STEM Flights is a member of Air Care Alliance and benefits from their network and resources for public benefit flying.
- Eastern Michigan University (EMU)minorEducational institution partner supporting STEM education initiatives.
- STEM.orgcoreSTEM education accreditation organization that has verified STEM Flights as an Accredited Educational Experience.
- Sweet AviationcoreIndiana-based flight school partner providing STEM Flights experiences to students.
- Million Girls MoonshotminorNational initiative focused on engaging girls in STEM. Partnership helps STEM Flights reach underrepresented populations in aviation.
- Anderson AviationcoreTexas-based flight school partner providing STEM Flights experiences to students in Texas.
- Red Tail (Fly With Red Tail)minorAviation organization focused on mentorship and diversity in aviation, supporting underrepresented youth in STEM and aviation careers.
- NSTEM (National STEM Coalition)minorNational coalition advocating for STEM education at the federal level.
- American Rocketry ChallengeminorNational rocketry competition for students. Partnership provides additional STEM and aviation activities for STEM Flights students.
- STEM PathsminorSTEM education initiative supporting pathway programs for students.
- Central CreativityminorOrganization providing STEM field trips, after school programs, and summer camps. Partnership expands hands-on STEM learning opportunities.
- Museum of Flight (Seattle)minorWorld-renowned aviation museum providing additional resources and inspiration for STEM Flights students in the Seattle area.
- USA Science and Engineering FestivalminorNational STEM education event. Partnership provides access to free lesson plans and resources.
- NASAcoreNASA provides extensive STEM resources and curriculum content for STEM Flights missions. Students use NASA resources for pre-flight learning. NASA STEM Engagement programs are integrated throughout the curriculum.
- National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)minorIndustry association supporting business aviation. Partnership provides access to resources and professional network.
- National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)coreSTEM Flights is a corporate member of NSTA, providing credibility and access to educator networks.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
STEM Flights competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA): Major GA association and parent of Young Eagles and AeroEducate. STEM Flights is an EAA member; directly comparable as a broader aviation community organizer with overlapping youth education mission.
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA): Largest GA aviation association in the US. AOPA is a corporate member partner of STEM Flights; comparable as a broader aviation ecosystem player reaching pilots, with overlapping youth engagement and STEM programming.
- National Business Aviation Association (NBAA): Industry association for business aviation. STEM Flights is a partner organization; comparable as a broader aviation industry stakeholder with youth STEM outreach programs.
Others
- Million Girls Moonshot: National initiative focused on engaging girls in STEM. Listed as a STEM Flights partner; adjacent in mission (underrepresented youth STEM engagement) though not aviation-specific.
- Air Care Alliance: Network of volunteer pilot charitable organizations. STEM Flights is a member; adjacent as an enabling ecosystem for volunteer aviation nonprofits, including public benefit flying organizations.
Direct peers
- Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program: US Air Force auxiliary program offering aerospace education, leadership training, and flight experiences to youth ages 12-20. Directly comparable in aerospace education focus, structured curriculum, and youth aviation career pipeline orientation.
- EAA Young Eagles: EAA's free introductory flight program for youth, offering free flights in general aviation aircraft. Most directly comparable to STEM Flights in mission (youth aviation exposure) and free model, though not exclusively STEM-focused.
- Red Tail (Fly With Red Tail): Nonprofit focused on mentorship and diversity in aviation for underrepresented youth. Listed as a STEM Flights partner; comparable in mission emphasis on diversity, mentorship, and aviation career pathways for youth.
- EAA AeroEducate: EAA's free online aviation education platform for youth. STEM Flights actively partners with AeroEducate as a post-flight continuation resource, making them complementary offerings serving the same youth aviation pipeline.
Emerging players
- Women in Aviation International (WAI): Organization promoting women in aviation careers through education, networking, and scholarships. WAI is a STEM Flights member; comparable in aviation workforce development and youth outreach emphasis.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
STEM Flights social profiles
Digital presenceSTEM Flights compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
STEM Flights financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
STEM Flights leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
STEM Flights funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
STEM Flights M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about STEM Flights
What does STEM Flights do?
STEM Flights is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free, mission-based flight experiences to middle and high school students (grades 6–12), pairing each student with a volunteer Pilot Mentor in their local community. Students complete four pre-flight STEM Missions online before flying, then participate in a hands-on cockpit learning experience, and continue into a multi-year post-flight mentorship, scholarship, and tracking program. Supporting offerings include free NGSS-aligned lesson plans for educators, a student ambassador leadership program, and pilot mentor recruiting/training.
Is STEM Flights a public or private company?
STEM Flights is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was STEM Flights founded?
STEM Flights was founded in 2018. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is STEM Flights based?
STEM Flights is headquartered in Alexandria, United States, in the North America region.
How does STEM Flights make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Donations and Grants are the primary driver. The others are merchandise Sales.
Who are STEM Flights's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Others are Million Girls Moonshot and Air Care Alliance. Direct peers are Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, EAA Young Eagles, Red Tail (Fly With Red Tail) and EAA AeroEducate. Women in Aviation International (WAI) is listed as an emerging player.
Does STEM Flights have an API?
No public API is recorded for STEM Flights.
What industry is STEM Flights in?
STEM Flights's product category is Youth Aviation and STEM Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMABAC, STEM Research & Inquiry Programs (Research Mentorship, Science Fair Prep), with a secondary code of EDABALAC, Aviation & Aerospace. Its NAICS code is 611512 and its SIC code is 8200.