Spartan Education Group and Rocky Mountain PBS to Host “The State of Aviation: Talent, Training, and Tomorrow” Panel Discussion in Denver

Spartan Education Group (SEG), in partnership with Rocky Mountain PBS and its Work Learn Earn initiative, will host a special live aviation panel discussion, The State of Aviation: Talent, Training, and Tomorrow, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Rocky Mountain PBS Studios in downtown Denver. 

Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG) owns and operates aviation maintenance and flight training schools across the United States, including Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology and McAir Aviation, both located in the Denver Metropolitan Area. 

The discussion will be moderated by Dan Diamond, Director of the Work Learn Earn initiative at Rocky Mountain PBS and will bring together leaders from aviation education, workforce development, and Colorado government to discuss the future of aviation talent pipelines, regional workforce challenges, and the importance of creating accessible aviation training pathways that can potentially lead to high-demand aviation careers. 

The panel is part of Rocky Mountain PBS’ Work Learn Earn initiative, which focuses on connecting education, training, and employment opportunities throughout Colorado. 

Representatives from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology and McAir Aviation, an FAA Part 141 flight school, will participate in the discussion, highlighting how hands-on aviation training programs and industry partnerships are helping address workforce shortages across the aviation industry. 

Featured panelists include: 

• Todd Cellini, Chief Operating Officer— Spartan Education Group 
  • Colin Dielmann, Aeronautics Program Manager — St. Vrain Valley School District Innovation Center 
  • Ed Sealover, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives — Colorado Chamber of Commerce 
  • Dan Woog, Colorado State Representative — House District 19 
  • Chris Kolker — Colorado State Senator 

“Our Work, Learn, Earn initiative focuses on connecting Colorado communities with the resources and opportunities available to them by highlighting real-life career experiences. By sharing the journeys of our fellow Coloradans who are actively pursuing and thriving in their careers, we aim to inspire others—whether they’re just starting out or beginning a new chapter— can see themselves reflected in a meaningful career path,” noted Dan Diamond, Senior Vice President, Public Media Partnerships for Rocky Mountain Public Media.  

Spartan Education Group and Rocky Mountain PBS aim to spotlight collaborative solutions that support aviation workforce training and economic growth throughout the region. 

The event is open to students, educators, aviation professionals, workforce leaders, and members of the community interested in the future of aviation training and career development. 

Event Details 

The State of Aviation: Talent, Training, and Tomorrow 
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 
Rocky Mountain PBS Studios 
Buell Public Media Center 
2101 Arapahoe St. 
Denver, CO 80205 

To learn more or register to attend, visit: 
The State of Aviation | Talent, Training, and Tomorrow: Panel Discussion 

About RMPBS  

Over a million Coloradans turn to Rocky Mountain PBS to discover provocative and inspiring local, national, and international programming; find diverse viewpoints; score front row center seats to world-class performances; and experience lifelong learning opportunities every month. Rocky Mountain PBS started in Denver in 1956 as Colorado's first public television station. It is now Colorado's only statewide television network, with stations in Denver (KRMA), Pueblo/Colorado Springs (KTSC), Steamboat Springs (KRMZ), Grand Junction (KRMJ) and Durango (KRMU). 

About Spartan Education Group    

Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG) owns and operates Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, an accredited system of schools with campuses in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Broomfield, Colorado; Inglewood, California; and Riverside, California. Spartan College has more than 97 years of history and has trained more than 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians.  

SEG also owns several independent flight training operations, including McAir Aviation (FAA Part 141), Illinois Aviation Academy (FAA Part 141), and Spartan Flight Academy (FAA Part 61). These flight schools provide non-Title IV flight training and operate independently from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. Federal student aid is not available for these flight training programs, and completion of training does not guarantee certification or employment.