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The research will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, supported by the College of Aviation's Strategic Initiative Grant, involved a comprehensive literature review and the development of a survey instrument and interview protocol. The second phase, supported by the FIRST Grant, employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gain a deeper understanding of student decision-making. Participants include university students enrolled in aviation flight programs, with a target sample of 200 survey respondents and 10-15 interviewees. Data collection involved online structured questionnaires, distributed via Qualtrics, and in-depth interviews to explore personal experiences and expectations.

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical techniques, including descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, while qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis. A comparative analysis will identify differences in perceptions between participants and non-participants of pathway programs. The findings will provide valuable insights into student motivations and inform strategies to maximize the impact of these programs, addressing the broader challenges facing the aviation workforce. Key deliverables will include a literature review, an annotated bibliography, a survey instrument, an interview protocol, and recommendations for further research funding and presentation at an industry conference. The final manuscript will be submitted to a peer-reviewed academic journal, with results presented at an industry conference.