Students from the NOMO Foundation recently attended an innovative program combining entrepreneurial skills, science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) learning, and Aviation training. The program is in collaboration with Angel Flight East and The Business Center, which provides special educational programs for women, minority, and youth-owned businesses in the Northwest section of Philadelphia.
Participants from the Youth STEM and Aviation Program at Wings Field in Blue Bell Pennsylvania.
The Youth STEM and Aviation Program provides exposure for youth to explore aviation careers and classes on financial literacy, marketing, presentation skills, and youth entrepreneurship. The program was funded in part by Chestnut Hill Rotary and a matching grant from the Rotary District 7450 Gundaker Foundation totaling $2,500.
Pictured, l -r: Larry, member Greater Philadelphia Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.; Deb Tillman, Education Coordinator, The Business Center; Cameron, a graduate of TBC Youth Entrepreneurship Program, who plans to major in mechanical engineering.
Angel Flight East, a nonprofit organization that provides free air transportation to patients and families to distant medical facilities, hosted the youths at the Wings Field location in Blue Bell Pennsylvania.
The group recently toured the facilities and learned about jobs in aircraft maintenance, lines people, and administration. Pilots also spoke about their amazing journey to becoming pilots and eventually flight instructors. Angel Flight East's Communications and Marketing Manager also spoke to the students about charitable aviation and Angel Flight East in particular
According to aviation industry experts, skilled workers are now in high demand to fill positions that require specialized knowledge, training, and experience. These jobs include aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians, pilots, air traffic controllers, and aerospace engineers. In the last 15 years, there has been a surge in demand for these skilled professionals, which is only expected to keep growing in the coming years.
NOMO (New Options More Opportunities) Foundation mission is to provide a safe space for youth and young adults to develop positive life skills and nurture their potential to break the cycle of poverty. The organization, which has locations in North, South, and West Philly, provides youth with comprehensive anti-violence programming that provides participants with increased confidence and improved social/emotional skills that lead healthier individuals, increased family stability, decreased substance abuse and criminal activities, and a clear path to success.
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