Tennessee State University (TSU) has made history by becoming the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to host a Summer Flight Academy, reports WKRN. This pioneering program, supported by the U.S. Air Force, aims to inspire and train the next generation of pilots and aviation technicians.
TSU was selected to host 19 aviation trainees from across the country and internationally, including students from Japan. This program, part of the Aim High Flight Academy, allows high school students to fly in simulators and gain real flight experience. TSU and the U.S. Air Force are funding this initiative, which received a $500,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Participants aged 16 to 18 will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes lectures and simulator training on the TSU campus and hands-on flight training at John C. Tune Airport. By the end of the three-week program, students will have logged up to 15 flight hours, contributing towards a pilot license and enhancing their STEM education.
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and other industry sources, only about 2.6% of airline transport pilots in the United States are Black. This includes both male and female pilots. The percentage of Black pilots in general aviation is similarly low, with estimates suggesting that less than 2% of all general aviation pilots are Black.
Naomi Hill, one of the trainees, shared her excitement with News Channel 5 Nashville: “Being around people who look like me and being in an environment similar to home helps me adjust a lot more. It really feels nice and cozy, in a way.”
Mark Tian, a California resident and incoming Stanford University freshman, expressed his passion for the program: “Engineering has been one of my childhood passions. This program allows me to actively work on solving problems and make tangible changes. Being surrounded by motivated and talented people really pushes me to do my best.”
TSU’s historic role in hosting the Summer Flight Academy highlights its commitment to advancing aviation education and providing unique opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
