ACE Internship Program Returns to MKE

MILWAUKEE (JUNE 7, 2022) – The Aviation Careers Education (ACE) program is returning to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport once more. ACE is a summer employment and learning opportunity funded by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics for disadvantaged Milwaukee Public School students.

Students will spend their summer at MKE working various aviation-related jobs and gaining meaningful education and experience that will give them the skills needed to positively contribute to the workforce.

A kick-off ceremony was held today to welcome the students participating this year and to introduce them to their roles and mentors. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley was this year’s keynote speaker.

“The ACE internship Program gives MPS students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in transportation careers the confidence and tools they need to enter the workforce and work toward their dreams,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “These interns have so much to offer in terms of skills, passion, and work ethic. By giving young people the opportunity to experience new things and learn new skills, we’re helping them realize their true power and potential, while shaping the next generation of diverse leaders in Milwaukee County. We’re committed to diversity and inclusion just not today, but well into the future, and I commend everyone who came together to make sure programs like this continue and Milwaukee County remains on the road to achieving racial equity.”

Students will be employed in a variety of capacities around MKE including the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Air Cargo Carriers, Airport IT, Airport Operations, Delta Air Lines, MKE Airport Fire Department, Paradies Lagardère, Textron Aviation, TSA, and Signature  Flight Support.

“We’re honored to have Milwaukee Public School students working here at the Airport this summer,” said Airport Director Brian Dranzik. “We look forward to watching these students gain valuable skills and experiences in these roles as they learn from mentors, interact with our travelers, and have real-life experiences which will give them the tools needed to ultimately pursue aviation-related careers.”

ACE is a unique partnership between industry, schools, and government.

“WisDOT is proud to partner with Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and Milwaukee Public Schools on the Aviation Careers Education (ACE) internship program to help prepare a pool of diverse and talented Milwaukee high school students at a time that the industry most needs it,” said David Greene with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics. “With today’s critical need for a skilled aviation workforce, WisDOT and its ACE program partners are answering the call.”

For more information on the ACE program, click here.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport offers nonstop flights to 35+ destinations coast-to-coast, and more than 200 international destinations are available with one easy connection. MKE is served by Air Canada, Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, and United. The complete list of nonstop cities can be found at flymke.com.

MKE, the winner of a 2021 ASQ Best Airport – North America award for outstanding customer experience, is owned by Milwaukee County and operated by the Department of Transportation, Airport Division, under the policy direction of the Milwaukee County Executive and the County Board of Supervisors. The Airport is entirely funded by user fees; no property tax dollars are used for the Airport’s capital improvements or for its day-to-day operation.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.