USS Yorktown Foundation Awarded $25,000 in Second Cycle of American Airlines Grants to Train A Diverse Group of Future Aviators at Patriots Point

The USS Yorktown Foundation is proud to receive a $25,000 grant from American Airlines to continue funding Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum’s newest Flight Academy program called “Take Flight to Your Future.” This is the second time American Airlines has donated $25,000 in support of the program which immerses students in a realistic air traffic control center designed to train a diverse group of future commercial aviators. The curriculum is based on the state of South Carolina math, science and English language arts (ELA) standards. Patriots Point Flight Academy was one of 17 aviation-focused schools and organizations around the country to receive grants from American Airlines totaling $337,000 to help grow and diversify the nation’s pool of pilots.

“The aviation industry is expanding rapidly in South Carolina,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “Our team is honored to have a role in providing inspiration and training to our future generation of pilots, air-traffic controllers, navigators, mechanics, and engineers. What American is doing to promote diversity aligns perfectly with our mission. We hope this relationship will continue to strengthen in the coming years.”

American’s Flight Education Grant program, now in its second year, has awarded 34 grants totaling $789,000 to flight schools, nonprofit organizations, and middle school, high school, and college-level organizations that generate innovative and creative ideas for growing and diversifying the nation’s pool of pilots. In April, the airline launched the American Airlines Cadet Academy, a first-of-its-kind program providing aspiring pilots of all backgrounds with the opportunity to receive the training, financing and mentoring opportunities necessary to fly for the world’s largest airline.

The Flight Academy at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is available to a group of ten or more students. The USS Yorktown Foundation has funding available for scholarships so that underserved students can attend. Those interested in learning more can email groupsales@patriotspoint.org or call 843-971-5051.