Bakersfield, CA – Kern High School District’s (KHSD) Regional Occupational Center (ROC) and Career Technical Education Center (CTEC), in partnership with California Aeronautical University (CAU), have successfully concluded the 2026 “Take Flight” aviation program, providing nearly 50 high school students with the unique opportunity to experience hands-on flight training.
Now concluding its second year, juniors and seniors who completed their required ground school with ROC/CTEC had the opportunity to train with CAU Certificated Flight Instructors (CFIs), developing skills in safety, basic flight maneuvers, landings, aeronautical decision making (ADM), and emergency procedures. Unlike many of their peers, these high school students spent a portion of their school day in the air.
ROC/CTEC Principal Brian Miller joined Centennial High School Student Legion Williamson on his first flight in the program.
“I just went up with Legion on his first flight here as a part of the Take Flight program that we’re partnered with,” said Miller. “It was an amazing experience. It’s awesome to be able to offer those kinds of opportunities to our students and hopefully connect some dots and inspire them to pursue a career in aviation.”
Williamson echoed this excitement.
“We just did our first flight in a brand new Cessna 172S, and it was amazing,” said Williamson. “It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done, and I just get butterflies thinking about going back up again.”
Students across the district shared similar enthusiasm after completing their first flights.
“I feel like it went better than expected; I’m definitely ready for more,” said Giovanny from East Bakersfield High School.
“My first flight from CAU… adventurous and a lot of freedom,” added Centennial High student, Landon Smith.
Through the “Take Flight” program, students earn approximately 10 hours of aviation education, including 5 hours of loggable flight time with a CFI. All program costs are fully covered by KHSD ROC/CTEC, ensuring accessibility for students district-wide.
“Finding ways to inspire young people to take interest in aviation is our bread and butter at California Aeronautical University,” said CAU President Matthew Johnston. “No matter how they choose to pursue aviation after this, whether with CAU or somewhere else, we are proud to have been a part of igniting that spark.”
Although the 2026 sessions have concluded, the program’s impact is expected to continue well beyond the classroom. Approximately half of participating students expressed interest in further pursuing aviation, whether recreationally or professionally.
Students identified a wide range of future career goals, including airline and corporate aviation, flight instruction, agricultural aviation, military service, aircraft maintenance, and fire and emergency operations.
“I would love to continue aviation,” said one student. “It’s definitely something I see myself doing in the long run. I would like to be an airline pilot or corporate pilot, maybe a fighter but still deciding.”
Student feedback collected throughout the program has provided ROC/CTEC and California Aeronautical University with valuable insight into the program’s success while underscoring its lasting influence on participants.
One student’s reflection captured the sentiment shared by many participants: “This class has been awesome, my favorite by far. Amazing classmates, amazing teachers, and instructors along the way. I just wanted to thank you all for truly making my last school year better.”
As KHSD ROC/CTEC and California Aeronautical University look ahead, both institutions remain committed to expanding opportunities that introduce students to aviation and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
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