New federal funding extends Vets2Wings program through 2030
New $3 million investment expands UND’s aviation workforce program for veterans
UND’s Vets2Wings program will continue helping veterans and National Guard members pursue aviation careers through 2030 following a new $3 million federal investment secured by Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.
The additional funding extends a program that launched in late 2022 through a partnership between UND, the Federal Aviation Administration and congressional leaders. The program is intended to address a nationwide shortage of commercial pilots while supporting military veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
The extension of the program was celebrated during a luncheon event on Friday, May 8, during which military-affiliated students gathered to celebrate their participation in the program, as well as learn about the program’s extension. Hoeven appeared before the group in a pre-recorded video message.
“As our country faces a shortage of commercial pilots, we created this program to support our veterans and National Guard members as they pursue careers in aviation,” said Hoeven, in a statement sent to UND Today. “By helping cover the cost of flight training, Vets2Wings provides a pathway for these individuals to become commercial airline pilots, strengthening our workforce and helping meet the nation’s aviation needs.”
Graduates flying high
Since its launch, the program has grown steadily and already produced measurable results. Vets2Wings currently supports 54 active students, UND officials say, including 10 new students added this semester after the latest round of funding became available. In addition, 34 students have already graduated from the program.
Of those graduates, 11 are either flying for or have been hired by regional airlines, while five others are flying professionally for government organizations, including military-related operations. Many others are continuing to build the flight hours needed for airline careers by working as certified flight instructors.
UND officials said approximately 20 Vets2Wings participants have been hired as flight instructors at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, a hiring rate that exceeds the school’s typical rate for student instructors.
The program was originally funded with $2.5 million and was expected to continue through early 2026. The new funding package extends operations through March 2030 and allows UND to continue supporting current students while also expanding opportunities for future applicants.
The V2W program helps students cover flight training costs that are often not fully addressed through traditional military education benefits. UND officials say that support allows participants to focus more fully on flight training, academics and career preparation without the financial uncertainty many student pilots face.
Friendships and mentorships
Program leaders say another major strength of V2W is the sense of community it creates among veteran and military-connected students. Participants range from first-year aviation students to experienced military veterans nearing graduation, creating a natural mentoring environment within the program.
Students regularly connect through program events, workshops and networking opportunities, often discovering shared military backgrounds even while attending the same classes. Graduates who have moved into professional aviation roles have also returned to mentor current students and offer guidance on career development and flight instructor hiring processes.
Junior Billie Jago, from Duluth, Minn., agreed, and said the V2W program has multiple benefits. The program not only helps put her mind at ease when she thinks about financing her education, but, through regular meetups with others in the program, it provides a sense of community.
“I can meet more people through V2W, too,” Jago said.
UND officials say the experience and maturity veterans bring to the classroom and cockpit have contributed to the program’s success and strengthened UND’s broader aviation community.
“UND and the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences are deeply committed to our veteran students and to supporting their goals of becoming professional pilots,” said Robert Kraus, dean of Aerospace. “The Vets2Wings program provides critical, targeted assistance that helps ensure they stay on track and on schedule as they pursue their aviation careers.”
The program has also developed strong partnerships with the aviation industry. Multiple airlines have visited campus to meet directly with students in small-group settings designed to help participants better understand career pathways and hiring opportunities.
Program administrators say those industry connections give students valuable exposure to airline recruiters and professionals while helping create clearer pathways from military service to commercial aviation careers.
The program’s continued expansion comes at a time when airlines and aviation organizations across the country continue working to address pilot workforce shortages. UND officials say Vets2Wings demonstrates how partnerships between higher education, government and industry can help meet workforce demands while supporting veterans pursuing new careers.
Officials say the additional funding ensures that future cohorts of veterans and National Guard members will continue to have access to the training and support needed to transition successfully into professional aviation careers.
Note: Anyone wishing to learn more about the program can contact Jason Evans, assistant professor of Aviation, at jason.r.evans@UND.edu.
