Building Workforce Pipeline Confidence
How a Federal Agency Scaled Youth Aerospace Education Nationwide
Background
A federal aviation authority sought to inspire K-12 students nationwide to pursue aerospace careers while managing complex program operations across dispersed teams.
The Challenge
The agency faced fragmented operations across signature education programs serving thousands of students nationwide. A newly implemented data tracking system had failed adoption due to inadequate change management. High staff turnover created knowledge gaps, while inconsistent training left over 2,500 geographically dispersed Outreach Representatives without standardized guidance. Without operational infrastructure or effective communication channels, the agency struggled to demonstrate program impact and maintain stakeholder confidence in this high-visibility initiative.
The Approach
Evans implemented a comprehensive program optimization framework that integrated strategic planning, change management, and operational excellence.
Here are key highlights from our implemented solution:
- Rebuilt Data Platform Foundation: Assessed the failed system adoption, resolved structural data issues, and developed implementation plans that achieved successful deployment across all program staff.
- Established Operational Infrastructure: Developed processes and automated workflows that reduced staff meeting time from 150 to 60 minutes weekly while improving strategic alignment.
- Modernized Training Systems: Redesigned learning courses incorporating adult learning principles and addressing operational pain points across the program.
- Implemented Knowledge Management: Created onboarding packages and role clarity documents that reduced ramp-up time and protected institutional knowledge during transitions.
- Scaled Communications Strategy: Developed forums, office hours, and targeted communications reaching 2,500+ geographically dispersed staff.
- Enhanced Program Analytics: Aligned PowerBI dashboards to strategic KPIs, enabling live reporting and data-driven decision-making for leadership.
This integrated approach transformed ad-hoc operations into a sustainable program infrastructure that supports continuous improvement and measurable impact.
The Results
- 2,500+ Staff Trained: Live CEATS training exceeded adoption targets, with participation rates 10x higher than projected goals.
- 60% Meeting Time Reduction: Streamlined staff meetings from 150 to 60 minutes weekly while increasing strategic output and team satisfaction.
- 7,000+ Student Participants: Airport Design Challenge enrollment expanded to 49 countries across six continents through targeted outreach strategies.
- 20% Enrollment Increase: Targeted outreach to disadvantaged communities drove significant growth in overall STEM AVSED program participation.
- Zero Knowledge Loss: Comprehensive onboarding processes eliminated institutional knowledge gaps during high-turnover periods.
The Tradeoff of Not Acting
Without intervention, the organization risked:
- Failed Technology Investment: Without change management expertise, the expensive CEATS platform would have remained underutilized, wasting taxpayer resources.
- Inconsistent National Delivery: Continued operational fragmentation would have undermined program credibility and limited access.
- Compounding Turnover Costs: Absence of knowledge management systems would have perpetuated inefficiencies and reduced program effectiveness.
- Diminished Stakeholder Confidence: Inability to demonstrate measurable impact would have jeopardized future program funding and support.
