Counselor Hub

Helping You Guide Students Toward High-Flying Careers

You don’t need an aviation background to help a student explore this field — that’s what this hub is for.

Whether a student loves airplanes, fixing things, technology, or hands-on learning, aviation may be the right fit. This page gives you everything you need to support them with confidence.

 

Welcome to the Counselor Hub

Inside this hub, you’ll find clear, ready-to-use tools designed specifically for high school counselors, including:

  • Simple explanations of aviation career paths
  • Classroom-ready resources to introduce aviation
  • Materials to help students compare aviation programs
  • CAU-specific resources you can share directly with students and families, such as:
    • Admissions and acceptance requirements
    • Downloadable flyers and handouts 
    • Videos that show what CAU programs and student life
    • Event dates for open houses, Aviation Career Day, and more
counselor-hub-details

Explore Aviation Careers

Show students new to aviation what careers exist and which paths may fit their strengths.

Counselor Toolkit

Find downloadable handouts and videos you can share directly with students.

Information About CAU

Access admissions requirements, program overviews, and materials about CAU.

Aviation Career awareness

For many students — and even parents and educators — aviation can feel like an unreachable dream. Becoming a pilot or working in aviation often seems mysterious or out of reach. But in reality, aviation is a thriving and attainable career field with pathways that begin right after high school.

Do you have a student who’s passionate about airplanes, loves fixing things, or thrives in math and science? They may have a future in aviation. From pilots and aircraft technicians to dispatchers and operations managers, there are opportunities for every skill set and interest level.

Career Pathways for Your Students:

  • Airline Pilot
  • Cargo Pilot
  • Business Pilot
  • Aviation Maintenance
  • Management Professional
  • Airline Pilot

    cau-alumni-luis-delta Fly passengers for major or regional airlines and travel the world while building seniority and experience.
    Sample employers: United Airlines, SkyWest Airlines

  • Cargo Pilot

    cau-alumni-rj-cargo  Transport goods and freight across the globe, often with flexible schedules and diverse flight operations.
    Sample employers: FedEx Express, UPS Airlines

  • Business Pilot

    cau-alumni-gelsey-wonderful Operate private or corporate jets, providing on-demand service for executives and professionals.
    Sample employers: NetJets, Flexjet

  • Aviation Maintenance

    cau-alumni-carrier-kcso Keep aircraft safe and airworthy by inspecting, repairing, and maintaining systems and structures.
    Sample employers: Northrop Grumman, Robinson Helicopters

  • Management Professional

    cau-alumni-noah Lead airport, airline, or operations teams that keep aviation running efficiently and safely.
    Sample employers: Axis Air Aviation, Signature Aviation

COUNSELOR TOOLKIT

Help Students Discover and Pursue Their Path in Aviation

Whether your students are just beginning to explore aviation or actively researching college options, this toolkit gives you ready-to-use materials — from basic aviation explainers to career pathway guides, downloadable handouts, and CAU admissions resources — all in one place.

Intended for younger students who are beginning to learn about aviation and potential career paths.

Designed for upperclassmen ready to compare programs and take the next steps toward aviation education.

RESOURCES BY STUDENT STAGE

For Students Exploring Aviation

This section is for students who are just beginning to explore aviation — typically freshmen, sophomores, or new juniors — and are figuring out what college major or career path might be the right fit.

These resources introduce students to the aviation industry and show how their interests in airplanes, technology, or hands-on work can translate into real careers..

Getting Started

cau-getting-involved-in-aviation

Getting Involved in Aviation

Still in high school and not ready to apply to aviation school? This guide shows ways to get involved now, including attending aviation events and joining programs like Young Eagles.

Download PDF
cau-questions-to-ask-aviation-schools

Questions to Ask Aviation Schools

Students often wonder how soon they’ll start flying or what tuition covers. This sheet provides the right questions to ask when evaluating flight training programs.

DownloadPDF

Guidance and Insights

navispire-how-to-pick-flight-school

How to Pick a Flight School

This guide walks students through important factors to consider when selecting a flight school, including training programs, scheduling, and career outcomes.

Read Blog

Aspiring Pilot Webinar

Learn how to choose the right aviation university, understand financial aid, and start a pilot career. CAU staff share practical advice for students at the beginning of their aviation journey.

Coming soon!

Comparison Sheet

Compare flight schools and universities on important factors, including program length, partner pathways, and more.

Coming soon!

SHARE WITH STUDENTS

DAY IN THE LIFE PILOT STUDENT

Have a student who is curious about what it’s like to attend an aviation university? Share this video with them! Follow Matt, a CAU pilot student, through a typical day: flying lessons, campus life, and Flight Team activities. This gives students a real look at how CAU students live, learn, and train.

Watch Video

next step For Students

Whether your students are just starting to explore aviation or they're ready to begin their journey at California Aeronautical University, we have a path for them. Select the option that best fits where they are in the decision process:

Just Starting Out

Request Information
Just starting to explore aviation education? Request information to receive preliminary information about the University and a member of our team will follow-up to determine if CAU fits your initial needs.

➡️ Request Information

Attend Aspiring Pilot Seminar
Interested in aviation, but not sure if an aviation career is right for you? The Aspiring Pilot Seminar provides information on aviation career opportunities, how to compare schools, and offers information about CAU.

➡️ RSVP to a Seminar

Plan Visit / Meeting

Schedule Admissions Meeting
Seriously considering CAU? Schedule a one-on-one admissions meeting to discuss your goals, review program information and class schedules. This meeting, held virtually or on-campus, is a mandatory step in the admissions process and is a great opportunity to have your questions answered.

➡️ Schedule Admissions Meeting

Attend Open House
Visiting the campus is one of the best ways to see what life is like as a CAU student. Tour the campus, explore our fleet of aircraft, meet faculty and staff, visit student housing (available at our main campus), and more. Open Houses are scheduled on Saturdays at each of our four locations, every other month.

➡️ RSVP for Open House

Ready to Apply

Apply Online
If your students have decided CAU is the right fit for them, they can their application at the end of their junior year. We'll work to expedite the admissions process for them.

➡️ Apply Now

RESOURCES BY STUDENT STAGE

For Students Researching CAU

This section is for students who are ready to take the next step and start comparing aviation programs.

Use these resources to provide detailed information about California Aeronautical University and make it easy for students to see how CAU’s programs, requirements, and opportunities compare with other schools.

SHARE WITH STUDENTS

WELCOME TO CAU

Discover life at California Aeronautical University. Use this hype video to help your students visualize what aviation education at CAU really looks like, and how it could be a viable next step in their journey.

Watch Video

CAU Admissions Requirements

cau-admissions-requirements

Admissions Requirements

Outline the minimum requirements to apply and any program-specific requirements, including FAA medical clearance and TSA documentation for flight students.

Download PDF
cau-acceptance-requirements

Acceptance Requirements

Explain the qualities CAU looks for when recommending students for acceptance, helping counselors guide candidates who are well-suited for aviation careers.

Download PDF

CAU Program Information

cau-brochure-1200x675

CAU Brochure

Share this overview of California Aeronautical University, including our mission, programs, campus life, and the opportunities available to future aviators. Perfect for students who are exploring aviation more seriously.

Download Brochure
cau-bsa-postcard-800x800

BS Aeronautics - Flight

Show students how they can earn a bachelor’s degree while completing flight training to become a commercial pilot.

Download Handout
cau-amt-postcard-800x800

Aviation Maintenance

Highlight careers for students who love problem-solving and hands-on work, and how CAU prepares them for aviation maintenance roles.

Download Handout
cau-bsaba-postcard-v2

BS Aviation Business

Introduce students to the business side of aviation, preparing them for leadership roles in operations, management, and beyond.

Download Handout
cau-mas-postcard-v2

Master of Aviation Science

Provide an overview of CAU’s graduate programs, focused on aviation safety, management, and research. Students enroll in this program after earning their bachelor’s degree.

Download Handout
cau-community-hub-why-cau-hero

About CAU

CAU prepares students for real-world aviation careers with hands-on training and career-focused programs. Whether your students are interested in flight, maintenance, or aviation business, CAU equips them with the skills, credentials, and experience that employers value.

Explore what makes CAU unique, including programs, locations, and career-focused training.

Learn more

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Show your students what's possible

CAU graduates are making their mark across the aviation industry—from airline and cargo flight decks to aircraft maintenance hangars and airport operations. These success stories highlight how education, determination, and passion can launch a rewarding aviation career.

Share these stories with your students to inspire their own journey to the skies.

video-thumbnail-brycen
Brycen Yamaguichi

Hired by Horizon Air

×
video-thumbnail-miguel
Miguel Diaz

Pilot At Delta Air Lines

×
video-thumbnail-carrie
Carrie Certuche

Director of Maintenance, KCSO

×

next step For Counselors

Whether your students are just starting to explore aviation or they're ready to begin their journey at California Aeronautical University, we have a path for them. Select the option that best fits where they are in the decision process:

Request Counselor Packet

Counselor Packet
Receive a package of printed materials—brochures, program handouts, a CAU pennant, stickers, and more—to share with your students.

➡️ Email Us to Request Packet

Book Information Session

Information Session
Want to learn more about California Aeronautical to help you discuss aviation and our school with your students? Book a one-on-one information session with a member of our Outreach Team.

➡️ Request Session

Book Classroom Presentation

Classroom Virtual Presentation
Invite our outreach team to speak directly with your class about aviation careers and CAU’s degree pathways. Offered Monday through Friday.

➡️ Book Presentation

Schedule Admissions Meeting

Admissions Meeting
Have a student who is ready their admissions meeting? Request a meeting during school hours that you and your student (plus their parents) can do at the high school.

➡️ Schedule Meeting

Request Field Trip to CAU

Field Trip to CAU
California Aeronautical University (CAU) invites high school classes to visit our main campus in Bakersfield, California, for a one-of-a-kind aviation and STEM field trip.

➡️ Request Field Trip

upcoming events & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

open-house-bakersfield-tour
CAU Open House
Explore our campus, tour our aircraft, meet with admissions, and more.

California Aeronautical University

Learn More
06 Feb
career-day-5
Aviation Career Day
Join us at Aviation Career Day to discover careers in aviation and aerospace.

California Aeronautical University

Learn More
12 Feb
AOPA Teacher Training
Become trainers for the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum.

CAU Phoenix

Email Us