Augusta Aviation Academy lets young people’s ambition soar
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A new summer program has taken off, thanks to the Boys & Girls Club of Augusta: The Aviation Academy.
The immersive summer program, made possible through a partnership with local attorney and business leader Austin Jackson, is designed to expose youths to the world of aviation.
Fifteen students, ages 14 to 18, have been selected to participate.
The aviation industry cannot hire fast enough.
The baby boomer generation is aging out, and vacancies are growing rapidly.
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That’s why The Aviation Academy is showing Augusta teens that opportunities are available.
On Wednesday, they heard from guest speaker Marie Eve Poirier-Harris from American Airlines, who will guide students through the inner workings of commercial airlines.
Throughout the program, they’ll explore a variety of career paths within aviation — from engineering and air traffic control to military aviation and commercial airline operations.
“This program is about lifting our youth to new heights — literally and figuratively,” said Austin Jackson, founding sponsor, program partner and experienced pilot. “Aviation Academy opens the door to high-paying, high-demand career paths that many students may never have considered or had access to previously.”
“I just wanted to learn more about planes. I just got on a plane the other day, and I was really curious how much time it takes for them to know what they are doing,” said Derek Fox, Aviation Academy attendee.
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Many teenagers like Fox have similar curiosities.
However, a lack of exposure can limit teens from pursuing aviation.
“I think about myself driving down Wrightsboro Road, and if I didn’t have a background in aviation, I wouldn’t think twice about looking at Daniel Field,” said Jackson.
Conversations surrounding aviation are limited to one or two careers, like being a pilot or working for TSA.
However, there is a vast majority right here in Augusta.
“There are hundreds of jobs at Daniel Field, let alone at Augusta Regional,” said Jackson. “We’ve got great facilities out at Augusta Regional Airport with mechanics opportunities as well as air traffic control, TSA agents and working for the airlines.”
Energy is already buzzing about the kickoff event.
“I’m just happy that we were able to come through and make it all come together for the children this summer,” said Shelnay Sapp, CDL driver, Boys and Girls Club.
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This program could change teens’ lives.
“It is incumbent on us to show the kids these opportunities, and hopefully it hits with one of them. It may not, but I really think that one of those kids in the classroom is going to end up working in the aviation industry because of what we are doing today,” said Jackson.
Other highlights of the program include:
- A visit to Daniel Field, where students will experience a state-of-the-art flight simulator and tour hangar operations.
- A deep dive into air traffic control and tower operations during a site visit to Augusta Regional Airport.
- A tour of Shaw Air Force Base, where students will witness the military side of aviation.
- A behind-the-scenes tour of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
“This is more than a summer program,” said Kim Evans, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta. “We’re giving our Teens access to careers they may never have imagined, and the confidence to believe they belong in those spaces. Aviation Academy helps them see a future that soars far beyond the familiar.”
The club says it is always looking for donations and volunteers.
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