HAGERSTOWN — November 12, 2026 -- The 20th annual Aviation Education & Career Expo drew about 1,100 high school and college-age students to Rider Jet Center in Hagerstown, Md., on Nov. 6, with sponsors providing just under $300,000 in scholarships. That works out to roughly $270 per attendee by FairsOnline's calculation, and about 17 students for each of the roughly 65 vendors on the hangar floor.
Organizers say it is the largest event of its kind in the mid-Atlantic. Rider Jet Center, a full-service Fixed Base Operator, has hosted the expo for the past three years. It converts part of a hangar into an auditorium for presentations and sets up vendor booths for one-on-one consultations. This year's theme was "Dreams with Wings."
Sponsors fund just under $300,000 in scholarships, including two $4,500 drone awards
The Unmanned Safety Institute offered two scholarships of $4,500 each: one for a remote operator pathway and one for a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) maintenance technician pathway. Together they total $9,000, about 3% of the sponsor pool by FairsOnline's calculation. The institute has exhibited for six years.
Program Director John Easter said nearly every industry has a drone application, citing inspection work, surveying, public safety, photography and videography. Brinnay Nickola, who began her aviation career with expo scholarships, addressed the students. The company did not disclose how many scholarships were awarded or to how many recipients.
Lizzy Mosley travelled from Loudoun County, Va., and applied for several scholarships. She wants to become a pilot.
Employers use the expo to recruit for pilot, technician and back-office roles
Chantilly Air Jet Center sought employees and interns for pilot, mechanic, line service technician, customer service, accounting and scheduler/dispatcher positions, according to Melissa Woody.
Collin King, who represents the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and sits on the board of the Greater Washington Business Aviation Association, said the industry faces a pilot shortage and a maintenance technician shortage. He said many students choose commercial aviation, and that he was there to steer some toward business aviation. King also said NBAA has just started a program to help military veterans move into the industry.
Kevin Honan of aviation safety consultant Nimble represented expo sponsor Paragon Aviation Group. He said he had expected a smaller event. Local resident Christa Whittington attended with her son, who plans to enroll at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics aviation maintenance school at its Hagerstown campus.
Washington County officials cite more than 1,000 students and $250,000 in awards
Washington County Commissioners President John Barr attended the opening exercises. Vice President Jeff Cline said more than 1,000 students took part and more than a quarter-million dollars in scholarships were awarded.
Expo co-founder Julie O'Brien said this year's event was one of the best ever.