Boys and Girls Clubs Launch Aviation Academy for Teens

News Summary

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta has launched an Aviation Academy to introduce teens to various aviation careers. The inaugural program, involving 15 selected students, highlights the diverse job opportunities in the aviation sector beyond piloting. The summer curriculum includes visits to key aviation sites aimed at inspiring interest and passion for aviation careers. The initiative seeks community support for its success and aligns with broader efforts to ensure youth development and food security.

Augusta – The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta has officially launched the Aviation Academy, a summer program designed to introduce local teenagers to various careers within the aviation sector. This initiative aims to inspire youth between the ages of 14 and 18 by exposing them to the myriad opportunities available in the aviation field.

Fifteen students have been selected to participate in the inaugural program, which promises to broaden their horizons and enhance their understanding of possible aviation career paths. Significantly, Austin Jackson, a pilot and co-founder of the Aviation Academy, stresses that pursuing a career in aviation involves more than just flying. With a strong demand for talent, American Airlines alone boasts around 130,000 available positions, reflecting the vast opportunities present in the industry.

Marie Eve Poirier, the director of education at the CR Smith Museum for American Airlines, has observed that teens often gravitate towards careers they are familiar with. She argues that enhancing visibility and accessibility to aviation careers is crucial, especially for underserved youth who may not be fully aware of the prospects available to them.

The aviation industry encompasses a wide array of occupations beyond piloting, including but not limited to mechanical engineering, hospitality, social media management, and interior design. This diversity underlines the importance of informing adolescents about the full spectrum of career options in aviation. Surveys indicate that participation in such programs can lead to a 30% to 40% spike in interest in aviation careers among teens, showcasing the program’s potential impact.

The Aviation Academy’s summer curriculum includes trips to various aviation-related locations throughout July. Participants will have opportunities to visit notable sites such as Daniel Field, Augusta Regional Airport, Shaw Air Force Base, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. These excursions are intended to provide hands-on experiences that can help ignite passion for aviation-related careers.

By introducing young individuals to lucrative and in-demand careers, the program aims to instill confidence and foster a sense of belonging within aviation fields. Shelnay Sapp, a CDL driver related to the Boys & Girls Club, has expressed enthusiasm regarding the successful establishment of the Aviation Academy, reflecting the excitement within the community for such initiatives.

To ensure the continued success of the Aviation Academy, the Boys & Girls Club is actively seeking donations and volunteers. These contributions will help sustain the program and provide necessary resources for engaging local youth in aviation careers. The investment in this initiative aligns with broader efforts aimed at addressing food insecurity in the Augusta community, particularly during the summer months when access to healthy meals may be limited.

Kim Evans, who serves as the President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta, notes that the program is instrumental in facilitating access to previously unimaginable career opportunities for the participating teens. The integration of career education with support services such as food security during the summer underscores a holistic approach to youth development.

As the Aviation Academy commences its first summer session, the community’s involvement and support are essential in shaping the futures of local teens and ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to consider a career in aviation.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Augusta Aviation Academy Lets Young People’s Ambition Soar
• The Augusta Press: Boys & Girls Clubs Aviation Academy Takes Flight
• WFXG: Aviation Academy Lands at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta
• Wikipedia: Aviation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation