10.09.2023

The Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum (TANHM) and Fulton Leadership Academy were both awarded the prestigious 2023 FAA’s Workforce Development Grants, each receiving $500,000 to support their initiatives. These grants are a testament to their commitment to inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.

STEM Nola, a chapter of STEM Global Action based in New Orleans, Louisiana, brought over 50 hands-on interactive STEM stations to the event. These stations covered topics such as physics, kinetics, electricity, and flight. One of the highlights of the festival was the flight simulator, providing students with a taste of what it’s like to pilot an aircraft.

Over 250 high school students from Detroit had the opportunity to interact with professionals and college-aged students who are either working in aviation or pursuing STEM-related careers. These mentors shared their personal insights into these well-compensated and respected fields. Brian Smith, President and CEO of TANHM, delivered an inspiring message to the students, saying, “If you pursue a career in aviation, you will never be bored.”

Traditionally, gifted students have had access to various STEM activities, but STEM Nola firmly believes that all students, regardless of their career and college goals, should be exposed to STEM activities. #STEMFORALL is the guiding principle that ensures inclusivity and equal access to STEM education for everyone.

Spokespersons Shamalia Willis from the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Museum and Christi Giddens from Fulton Leadership Academy emphasized the importance of events like these in shaping the future of our youth.

STEM Nola’s mission is to reduce barriers to entry by bringing STEM events directly to underserved communities and connecting students with long-term opportunities in STEM fields. Their parent organization, STEM Global Outreach, has been inspiring and engaging students for over a decade, with data demonstrating that their events lead to increased interest in STEM.

For instance, the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Museum, which hosted the event, is a licensed flight school in the State of Michigan. From October to April, they offer free Ground School training once a week. Students who excel and complete the Ground Course are given the incredible opportunity to enter a FREE six-month Flight School program, complete with flight time—a significant investment that is now accessible to over 200 students who attended the STEM Nola event.

In addition, First Officer Mark Vaught a United Airlines Pilot, who is also a Major in the Air National Guard shared the excitement and fulfillment of a career in the aviation industry, inspiring students to consider pursuing similar paths.

The Aviation STEM & Career Festival was a resounding success, as evidenced by the smiling faces of students, volunteers, hosts, and presenters alike. All the organizations involved are enthusiastic about the potential for ongoing collaboration and continuing the journey of empowering the next generation of aviation and STEM professionals. Together, they are building a brighter future and ensuring that the sky is not the limit but just the beginning for these aspiring young minds.