THERE’S NO LIFT IN A VACUUM, PART THREE
Education Through Aviation
By Kyle Jaracz, Education Director | kylej@modelaircraft.org
In previous installments, I highlighted the many educational resources that AMA members can use to bring the magic of flight to new audiences. This month, I want to showcase two outstanding organizations that share our passion for expanding access to aviation: Women in Aviation International (WAI) and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP).
The AMA Education team recently had the pleasure of attending and presenting AMA resources at the WAI conference in Colorado. It was an unforgettable experience that was welcoming and energizing, and filled with professionals and educators who are committed to making aviation more inclusive.
You can read more about Education Development Coordinator Gwen Mathis’ experience at the event at www.amaflightschool.org/blog/ama-goes-wai. In short, it left me feeling proud and excited about what is possible when we work together.
WAI provides a wide array of programming designed to engage and empower the next generation of women aviators. Their initiatives include the Aviation for Girls (AFG) app, AFG Engage E-Learning, AFG Connect News, Aviation for Girls magazine, and Girls in Aviation Day. These programs blend firsthand learning with peer interaction and strong role modeling. Many of these efforts are supported by local WAI chapters, which are ideal collaboration points for AMA members who want to get involved.
Whether it is hosting a flight demonstration, offering a learn-to-fly RC opportunity through Introductory Pilot Program instructors, sharing Quick Project activities, or simply providing support and mentorship, your involvement could be the spark that sets a young person’s aviation journey in motion.
We are also proud of AMA’s ongoing collaboration with the OBAP. If you are unfamiliar, OBAP is a nationally respected organization dedicated to increasing minority representation in aerospace through education, mentorship, and career exposure. Its Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academies and Aerospace Virtual Education programs are powerful, immersive learning experiences offered both in person and online for middle school and high school students. These weeklong programs are particularly focused on underserved communities and are designed to introduce students to a wide range of aerospace careers.
OBAP also conducts the Aerospace Professionals In Schools program, which introduces students to aviation professionals within their communities.
AMA members can be a meaningful part of this outreach. Clubs can host model aviation activities as part of ACE Academies, adding hands-on aerodynamics and STEM engagement to the curriculum. Flying sites can become active classrooms, offering students their first real taste of flight.
AMA members can also volunteer as mentors or collaborate with OBAP on school visits and local STEM events. These opportunities allow us to extend our educational mission while helping OBAP bring more young people into the world of aviation.
This kind of collaboration isn’t just feel-good work—it is foundational. By working together, AMA, WAI, OBAP, and all of the other aviation organizations we have covered throughout the past three installments of this column are building a more diverse, connected, and resilient aviation community. We are not just passing along our skills and knowledge, we’re inspiring the future.
To learn more, visit www.wai.org, www.obap.org, or connect with your AMA Education team by emailing education@modelaircraft.org.
