Stem Aviation Academy
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
The specific purpose of this corporation is to support high school students with aviation education and flight experiences in order to create positive experiences in general aviation, and inspire America's youth to pursue careers in flight operations.
- Income
- $194,559
- Spending
- $104,970
- Reserves
- 15.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 93%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 94 out of 100. Higher than 87% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 15.2 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 20% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 46% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $21,679 spent. The academy provided airport tours, familiarization flights, and safety training. 1)Airport ToursOur field trip program is geared towards elementary school, middle school, and high school students and take place at McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, CA (KCRQ).The students have an in-depth guided tour of KCRQ.The tour covers various areas of the airport, such as Fixed Based Operators (FBO), hangars containing various types of aircraft, flight schools, flying clubs, and maintenance facilities.Students have the opportunity to learn about the different roles and functions within the aviation industry, and meet professionals such as pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers, and airport management personnel.Students also engage in flight simulator sessions which last approximately 15 minutes per person.2)Familiarization FlightsFor juniors and seniors committed to a career in aviation, STEM Aviation Academy provides familiarization flights in an RV-9A aircraft or Cirrus SR20 aircraft. These flights are approximately 20 minutes per person.3)Safety TrainingSTEM Aviation Academy provides safety training curriculum for general aviation pilots and qualified high school students who intend on pursuing a career in aviation. This curriculum also includes the use of full-motion flight simulators and general aviation training aircraft. This program is based on the premise that pilots who maintain currency and proficiency in the basics of flight will enjoy a safer and more stress-free flying experience.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since July 2023.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.