Boeing grant to bring aerospace career exploration to Mesa Public Schools
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Chloe Calissi October 22, 2026 chloe@azedfoundation.org
PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) is the recipient of a $100,000 Boeing grant supporting aerospace education in Mesa Public Schools.
The grant will support AEF’s Spheres of Industry program, a K-8 career-connected learning initiative that helps students build academic skills, career awareness, and confidence through hands-on learning experiences. 1,500 students in Mesa Public Schools will experience aerospace learning through Arizona standards-aligned projects.
“When students can see what’s possible, they begin to imagine new futures for themselves,” shared AEF’s CEO Kim Graham. “Thanks to Boeing’s generous support of Spheres of Industry, more Arizona students will have the opportunity to explore exciting career pathways in aerospace, defense, and more, connecting learning to the industries shaping our world. We are honored to work alongside Boeing to empower the next generation of dreamers and doers.”
This is Boeing’s 4th year supporting AEF, continuing a partnership supporting career-connected opportunities to local students.
Arizona is home to more than 1,200 aerospace and aviation-related companies, with the industry employing more than 50,000 Arizonans. Spheres of Industry is designed to introduce students to those possibilities from the earliest stages of their education.
“Building the aerospace talent pipeline starts well before students choose a career or enter the workforce. Through hands-on, career-connected learning, Spheres of Industry helps students see how the skills they’re developing today can open doors to future opportunities. AEF is a valued partner in bringing those experiences to Mesa classrooms, and we’re proud to support its work to help students explore what’s possible,” said Kristin Sorensen, senior government and community relations specialist for The Boeing Company.
In 2025, Boeing contributed $50.8 million across 424 grants in support of STEM education and workforce development programs.
Following Arizona’s State 48 Portrait of a Graduate Vision, this initiative will provide practical professional learning that helps teachers naturally connect academic standards, workforce skills, and high-quality classroom instruction. Educators will be equipped to integrate meaningful career-connected learning into their classrooms, helping students build skills that will serve them in school, future careers, and beyond.
About Arizona Educational Foundation
Since 1983, the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) has been at the frontlines of Arizona’s PreK–12 public education system celebrating excellence and addressing persistent challenges facing schools, educators, and students. Founded by former Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Warner, AEF is the state’s only education foundation charged with elevating Arizona education by showcasing schools and educators that exemplify best practices and to confront issues facing schools and educators. As such, our 11 statewide initiatives serve as beneficial interventions that help increase academic opportunities for schools, build leadership pipelines, support teacher retention, and expand opportunities for students and districts who too often go without. Public education is the heart of a community, and AEF remains focused on ensuring every student, in every community, has access to the resources, educators, and opportunities required to succeed. For more information visit www.azedfoundation.org.
About Boeing
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.