Nikki Kukwa Aeronautics Memorial Camp

The next Nikki Kukwa Camp will be held July 16 - 18, 2025.
Registration opens February, 2025.

The Nikki Kukwa Memorial Aeronautics Camp was established to celebrate the life of Nikki Kukwa. An exemplary Kent State aeronautics student, Nikki was instrumental in establishing the Women in Aeronautics Club, Kent State Women In Aviation Student Chapter, the Flying Black Squirrels, and served as an inspiration to those who knew her. She passed away on Oct. 23, 2006, after receiving a leukemia diagnosis during her junior year at Kent State. This camp honors her positive influence in aeronautics, and we hope it inspires the next generation of aviators.

In this camp, 20 female high school students will receive a free, three-day camp experience funded through the Nikki Kukwa Memorial Aviation Fund and The College of Aeronautics and Engineering. Students will explore careers in aviation while staying in dorms on Kent State University’s Kent Campus. The camp includes a tour of a regional airport, experience at KSU’s Air Traffic Control Lab and a flight out of the KSU Airport.

University personnel provide information regarding academic programs, financial aid and campus life.

Watch WKYC Channel 3's feature "Growing STEM" about the 2024 Nikki Kukwa Aeronautics Memorial Camp held July 10-12: