Preparation

Blackhawk Flight Foundation has identified the following organizations as excellent talent incubators for tomorrow’s future aviation professionals. Each has a proven record of assisting young, aviation-minded Americans get a foothold in an industry that will propel them toward a successful career and a productive life.

Blackhawk Flight Foundation strongly encourages membership and active involvement by our student candidates in one or more of these organizations. Qualification for a BFFI Scholarship requires a proven track record of extracurricular activities such as these, outside the scope of their normal academic achievements.

Aviation Career Enhancement (ACE) – this Atlanta-based nonprofit flies out of Fulton County’s Brown Field, where it’s all-volunteer ground and flight instructors, instructs a student body of approximately 60 disadvantaged young Americans in the art & science of flying and maintenance. The program was started in 1980 by Julius Alexander, a 10,000 hour flight instructor. The program is sponsored by Delta Airlines and the Tuskegee Airmen Association. ACE participants range in ages from age 9 to 18. For more information, contact www.aviationcareerenrichment.org or call 404.691.0441.

Aeorspace Education Foundation – a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational foundation that promotes aerospace excellence. For additional information, see their website @ www.AEF.com

Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) Pilot Mentor Programs

(The) American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) – for more than 65 years, the AIAA and it’s predecessors, has been the principal society of the aerospace engineer and scientist. Officially formed in 1963 through a merger of the American Rocket Society (ARS) and the institute of Aerospace Sciences (IAS), their purpose was then, and remains so today, “to advance the arts, sciences, and tecnology of aeronautics and astronautics, and to promote the professionalism of those engaged in these pursuits.” For additional information please contact them @ www.AIAA.com.

Black Pilots Of America, Golden Eagles Program – is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1997 for the purpose of introducing the world of aviation to disadvantaged young Americans. The organization is national in scope and has chapters located throughout the U.S. For additional information, please contact www.blackpilots-america.org. Or, you may contact their main offices in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Boy Scouts of America

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) – is the official USAF auxiliary and is 64,000 members strong. It performs 95% of continental U.S. (land) search and rescue missions as directed by the USAF Coordination Center. Volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request of federal, state, and local agencies. Members take a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the young people currently participating in CAP Cadet Programs. The CAP has been performing missions for America for more than 60 years.

Experimental Aircraft Association, Young Eagles Program – the EAA is a growing and diverse organization of members with a wide range of aviation interests and backgrounds. It was founded in 1953 by a group of individuals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who were interested in building their own airplanes. Through the last 50++ years, the organization has expanded it’s mission to include antiques, classics, warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, ultralights, helicopters, and contemporary manufactured aircraft. They are the recognized leaders in recreational aviation. The EAA Scholarship Program encourages, recognizes and supports excellence among EAA members studying the technologies and the skills of aviation. These annual scholarships help outstanding students who demonstrate a financial need to accomplish their goals. For additional information on the organization and it’s scholarship program, please contact them @ www.eaa.org, or call them @ 920.426.6823.

(Four) 4-H Aerospace Education Foundation – dedicated to improving the Life Management Skills of young Americans and to the advancement of literacy in science, math, and technology. For additional information, contact them @ www.4-H.com.

Girl Scouts of America

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) – Army, Navy, Marine Corps, & US Air Force – the programs, run through the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, and are taught as elective courses at more than 3,000 high schools nationwise. JROTC builds self-deiscipline, teamwork, motivation, and confidence in young people. classroom instruction is augmented throughout the year by community service activities, drill competition, field meets, flights, visits to military activities, marksmanship training, and other extra-curricular activities. JROTC programs benefit all students with an emphasis on socially or financially disadvantaged young Americans. African-Americans make up approximately 33% of all participants, hispanics made up 10%, Native American Indian, Asian and Pacific Islanders approximately 16%. Caucasian students make up the 41% balance of the total JROTC student body. For more information contact www.JROTC

NASA Education Programs – An opportunity for teachers across the USA to partner with NASA in a program designed to enhance existing mathematics, science, and technology curriculums for educators, students, and their families. For additional information, please contact www.NASA.com

NASA Quest – a major part of the NASA mission is to “Inspire the next generation of explorers,…as only NASA can.” Aeronautics and space programs provide unique opportunities to stimulate and inspire young Americans to excel in science and math skills. The site offers a wide range of free online tools and resources for teachers, students, parents, and others including web-supported and hard print lesson plans, educator guides and workbooks. For additional information, go to www.NASA.com.

(The) Ninety-Nines – originally founded in 1929 by 99 of the most successful women in aviation @ that time, all of whom were licensed pilots, is almost 80 years young, and still going strong. They remain active today and participate in aviation events nationwide. For scholarship information, please contact them @ www.ninety-nines.org.

Organization of Black Airline Pilots (OBAP) – founded in 1976, OBAP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with over 2,500 members. They are dedicated to the advancement and promotion of aviation educational opportunities for financially and socially disadvantaged American youth. They have an on-going mentoring and aviation projects program designed to encourage participation in the aviation and aeronautical science industry. www.OBAP.com

(The) Tuskegee Airmen – an organization founded by America’s first Black American Military Airmen, are dedicated to the advancement of aviation education and extracurricular activities for young Americans of all ethnic origin and backgrounds. There are presently 42 chapters located in major cities throughout the U.S. The chapters support young people through scholarships, sponsorships to military academies, and flight training. For additional information on the Tuskegee Airmens Scholarship Fund, please contact them @ www.tuskegeeairmen.org.

WLS Centers for Airway Science Program – the Airway Science Program exposes youth to math, science, and computer technology to promote academic achievement, inspire personal growth and development, and spark career interest in high tech, growth industries. www.WLS.com

Women in Aviation International – a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. www.Women_in_Aviation.Int’l