Wednesday, May 6, 2026
photos provided by Kimberly S. Cordrey, aviation center assistant, and Matthew D. Krepps, instructor of aviation maintenance
Penn College’s aviation program was among exhibitors at the May 4 Aerospace and Aviation Day at the State Capitol.
The event – in its third year – is co-hosted by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis (who chairs the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Aerospace States Association), and the Keystone Space Collaborative.
It brought together students, industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to showcase Pennsylvania’s expanding global leadership in aerospace and aviation.
Penn College’s exhibit provided an opportunity for participants to learn about its in-demand aviation majors, interact with the program’s students and faculty, and assemble a metal airplane model. The college offers three majors related to aviation maintenance (a certificate, associate degree and bachelor’s degree) that are helping to ease a growing shortfall in airframe-and-powerplant-licensed maintenance technicians.
Eighty students from high schools across Pennsylvania attended, as well as state legislators belonging to the bipartisan, bicameral Aerospace Caucus, which held a policy hearing during the event.
The third annual Aerospace and Aviation Day takes place in the atrium of the Pennsylvania Capitol’s Keystone Building.
Rep. Joe Webster (Pennsylvania House District 150) visits with Penn College aviation students (from left) Emily P. Woolson, of Biglerville (aviation maintenance technology); Lukas Dargis, of West Ossipee, New Hampshire (aviation maintenance technology); and Carl E. Bryant, of Coudersport (aviation technology). Webster co-chairs the Aerospace and Aviation Caucus and is a retired Air Force officer.
Bryant, Kimberly S. Cordrey (aviation center assistant), Woolson and Dargis pause in front of the picturesque Pennsylvania Capitol fountain. Also representing the college at the event was Matthew D. Krepps, instructor of aviation maintenance.
State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (Senate District 39), co-chair of the Aerospace and Aviation Caucus, bends metal pieces into shape …
… then joins Woolson in a photo with her airplane model. Pennycuick is a retired Army officer and Black Hawk helicopter pilot.
Woolson and Dargis chat with state Sen. Gene Yaw (Senate District 23), chair of Penn College’s Board of Directors.
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