Aero Velocity Honored with Sinclair College’s STEM Friend of the Division Award
Pictured: Benjamin Sears - Chair of the Sinclair Aviation Technology Department, Alan Skipworth - Director of Operations at Aero Velocity, Jen Pond Chief of Staff at Aero Velocity, William Gilliland- Marketing Manager at Aero Velocity, Karl Hess - Dean - Division of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at Sinclair College.
At Aero Velocity, our mission goes beyond delivering best-in-class drone solutions. We are deeply committed to empowering the next generation of aviation and technology professionals through education, collaboration, and innovation. That’s why we are proud to share that Sinclair College’s STEM Division has recognized Aero Velocity with the 2025 STEM Friend of the Division Award.
This annual award honors individuals, teams, and industry partners who demonstrate outstanding contributions to the growth and success of Sinclair’s STEM Division. It recognizes organizations that inspire through leadership, innovation, and a lasting impact on students, faculty, and staff.
This year, Aero Velocity was nominated by Professor Ben Sears, Chair of Sinclair’s Aviation Technology Department. Following his nomination, the STEM Division’s leadership team voted to recognize Aero Velocity with the award, underscoring the strong partnership we have built with Sinclair College.
Aero Velocity’s Director of Operations Alan Skipworth, who was there to receive the award and a former Sinclair student had this to say about the event: “We are honored to be receiving this award, and we are very excited about the work we do with Sinclair Community College, contributing to their education programs and work-based learning experiences. This award is a symbol of Aero Velocity’s continued dedication to education and as a past student of Sinclair, it is fulfilling to give back to the program that propelled me to where I am today.”
Strengthening Education Through Partnership
Earlier this year, Aero Velocity took an important step in advancing that partnership by donating two aircraft to Sinclair’s Aviation Technology Department. These aircraft provide students with access to industry-standard equipment, allowing them to gain practical, hands-on training that directly connects classroom learning with real-world applications.
In addition, Aero Velocity launched an internship program that gives Sinclair students the opportunity to work alongside our team of drone professionals. These internships offer students valuable experience in areas such as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations, sensor integration, and data analysis—helping prepare them for successful careers in aviation and technology.
Aero Velocity has been participating in student events to provide industry insights and educational value for current and future students at Sinclair. Students get the opportunity to speak with industry professionals at Aero Velocity, asking questions and learning about real life career opportunities in the UAS industry.
Inspiring the Next Generation
By collaborating with Sinclair College, Aero Velocity is helping to bridge the gap between education and industry. We believe that by investing in students today, we are shaping the future of aviation, drone technology, and STEM innovation for tomorrow.
The recognition of the STEM Friend of the Division Award is not just an honor for Aero Velocity—it’s a testament to the shared vision we hold with Sinclair: preparing students with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, Aero Velocity remains dedicated to building strong partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and industry leaders. By working together, we can drive innovation, create meaningful career pathways, and ensure that the next generation of professionals is equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
We are grateful to Sinclair Community College for this recognition and look forward to continuing our shared mission of advancing STEM education, aviation excellence, and industry innovation.
STEM, Sinclair College, Aviation Technology, Drone Education, Partnerships, Aero Velocity, STEM Award, Industry Collaboration