Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp

Support Aviation

Building bridges between dreams and destinations

Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp (MN ACE Camp) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to connecting students with the opportunity to explore and pursue a wide variety of aviation career paths and possibilities.

We've grown with your help. Now we're giving back.

What once began as a summer operation has grown into a year-round organization whose mission extends far beyond camp. By giving to this campaign, you're supporting continuing education scholarships for aviation professionals at every stage of their careers. The Elevate Award can support any professional development opportunity that will elevate your aviation career—from training and certifications to conferences and courses. We are a 100% volunteer-operated organization, and when you donate, we give everything back. 100% of all donations received from now until the end of the year will be allocated to scholarships offered in 2026. 

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Our Mission, Purpose & Vision.

Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp (MN ACE Camp) was founded in 1991 by a group of industry professionals in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to promote, educate and expose high school students to a wide variety of aviation careers. Over the last 30 years, more than 1000 students from all over the world have graduated from MN ACE Camp, many of whom are now industry leaders, professionals, counselors, and volunteers for our camp. 

Our summer camp program offers guided tours, guest speakers, hands-on activities, demonstrations, static displays, and the chance to pilot different types of aircraft with FAA-certified flight Instructors. Our camp program aims to bridge the gap between classroom and career, helping students visualize themselves in different aviation and aerospace jobs. Our staff members, camp counselors, and mentors at Minnesota ACE Camp are there to supervise, ensure the safety of the students, and teach the values of camaraderie, inclusiveness, accountability, and mutual respect in a team-building environment. As aviation evolves, so will our camp programming as we prepare our students for ongoing changes in the industry.

On April 6, 2020, Minnesota ACE Camp became an officially recognized 501(c)3 Nonprofit. As a nonprofit, we've been able to expand our reach by seeking grants and donations from aviation professionals in our community who share our commitment to nurturing the next generation. In 2022, the Board of Directors established The Elevate Award, a continuing education scholarship to aid aviation professionals at every stage in their careers. The growth of our organization reflects the shared goals within the community and industry to inspire and support the next generation of aviation professionals as they pursue their dreams.

What once began as a summer operation has grown into a year-round organization whose mission extends far beyond camp. We eagerly seek partners who share our goal to create pathways for students from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and diversity throughout the aviation industry. Minnesota ACE Camp has become one of the most recognized aviation camps in the country thanks to our local aviation community, sponsors, donors, and volunteers. Your donations and sponsorships fuel our events, outreach, and scholarships, empowering students toward bright aviation futures.