At-Risk Youth Program Celebrates Third Year

Tuskegee NEXT is set to launch its third class of cadets in the next few weeks. The class is being drawn from dozens of applicants that are vying for the opportunity to transform their lives through aviation education and career path opportunities so they can, in return, transform their communities.

Tuskegee NEXT is the premier aviation youth outreach program to enable at-risk youth to obtain pilot’s licenses and start on an aviation career path. The program is a three-tiered approach that involves an ten-week flight school, a life-skills program that offer mentorships, briefings of aerospace careers, and educational assistance, including scholarships, tuition and career guidance and internships.

Recent graduates have gone on to accomplish great things, applauding the program for the practical knowledge in leadership skills as well as the legacy they were able to participate in.

Kevin Lindsay, a Financial Economics and Aviation major at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is set to graduate in May. With dreams of becoming a commercial airline pilot, he plans to become a flight instructor
after graduation to earn the 1,500 hours needed to earn his next pair of wings.

“I was one of the older cadets in my class so the instructors really pushed me to take on a leadership role,” says Lindsay. “While in the program I got an advanced ground instructor certificate which allowed me to
teach ground knowledge. The second I walked through the doors at Southern Illinois Carbondale I took off like a rocket, hosting small clubs and teaching the freshmen. Tuskegee NEXT gave me the tools to be a better teacher and leader.”

Hasan Swain, another 2015 Tuskegee NEXT graduate shares a similar sentiment. He is a freshman at Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in aerospace engineering. Swain credits Tuskegee NEXT instructors in
helping him learn to focus in order to succeed in the rigorous program.

“Going into the program, I had just turned 17 and had zero flight experience,” adds Swain. “Tuskegee NEXT has taught me the significance of the Tuskegee legacy and how we as cadets should be honored to have the
opportunity to carry on that legacy in our own way—not just flying but representing all the great men who came before us.” Swain is set to complete an aerospace engineering internship this summer in Palmdale, California with Northrop Grumman Corp.

Tuskegee NEXT is a non-profit entity that honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen—African Americans and Caucasians, who were involved in the so-called "Tuskegee Experience," the Army Air Corps program to train
African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft.

“It is incredibly gratifying to see these young pilots have the interest to apply for the program, be selected and watch them mature into strong young citizens,” says Steve Davis, Chairman of Tuskegee NEXT. “We are looking forward to the next class coming in and being inspired by the true heroes in our lives, the Tuskegee Airmen.”

To continue funding this important program, Tuskegee NEXT is holding its inaugural gala. The Red Tail Ball honoring the past, present and future of Tuskegee Airmen is being held Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the DuPage County Airport Planemasters Hangar.

In addition, a 5/10K fundraising run is planned on the runway of the DuPage Airport Saturday, May 20, 2017 benefiting Tuskegee NEXT. The event is certified by the U.S. Track and Field Association. In addition to the run, a one-mile fun run is also being planned for the younger runners who want to experience running on a runway.

For more information on both of these events, please go to http://www.tuskegeenext.org.