By Ilvea Lezama
The launch of an Aviation and Aerospace Academy is part of the $19 billion redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport. According to QNS, the initiative will provide an aviation-focused weekend and summer education and enrichment program in science, technology, engineering, and math also known as STEM for up to 700 students from grades 1 through 12.
“As this historic airport redevelopment project takes flight and the aviation industry continues to soar in The World’s Borough, this program ensures our students are ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “That’s what investment in our future looks like.”
The AAA at York will be offering classes in the spring, summer and fall semesters providing an opportunity to approximately 700 students who are interested in aviation-related education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 2.6 percent of all aircraft pilots and flight engineers were black, 9.7 percent were Hispanic or Latino and 1.6 percent were Asian in 2022.
Ahmed Elwadany, an Aviation Management major, said he thinks the program will be helpful for the youth in the community. “The youth will be learning and having hands-on experience in tech and engineering,” continued Elwadany. “What an awesome move to support the youth, kudos to all involved.”
The curriculum will vary based on age group and it includes hands-on classes on:
- Aviation
- Science
- Finance
- Economics
- Math
- Cybersecurity
- Computer science
- Drones and robotics
Aviation, Business, and Economics, Assistant Professor Dr. Billy Metallinos said that York has had productive collaborations with JFK since he was a student here at York in 2010. “These partnerships are integral because we are the stakeholders of the airports especially since they are in our communities, and it is important to maintain them for our students and our community to have work, career opportunities, and benefits,” Metallinos said.
He also said that these types of partnerships add pathways to internships, scholarships, and grants for students who otherwise would not be exposed to an industry that normally grows approximately five percent a year. “The partners will have access to our York students, a diverse pool of eager, educated, highly motivated transformational world leaders; It’s a win-win,” he concluded.
The program will drive students from neighboring communities to career options in aviation, airport management, and aerospace technology.
