American, PSA Partner with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals to Inspire Future Generation of Student Aviators

In partnership with American, PSA was proud to sponsor the Charlotte ACE Academy camp facilitated by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) last week at UNC Charlotte.

ACE Academy aims to expose students to the many opportunities a future in aviation can provide while teaching the practical applications of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Nearly 50 local students learned about aviation through classroom instruction at the university and tours of the American Airlines training center and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Students also gained hands-on experience while learning aviation history, the fundamentals of aerodynamics, and the various careers available in the aerospace field.

“These diverse students represented multiple constituencies from Charlotte and the surrounding areas,” said Steve Jarrett, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for PSA. “Fortunately, the Academy instructors, escorts, pilots, volunteers, and other staff were just as diverse, demonstrating to these young aviators, ‘if you can see it, you can be it.’”

Upon completing this extensive program, students were honored during a graduation ceremony on the campus of UNC Charlotte. PSA President Dion Flannery participated in the celebration, giving the keynote address, presenting diplomas, and congratulating each student. Steve Jarrett and Christine Wampach, Vice President of Talent Management for PSA, also attended and enjoyed celebrating alongside these students and their families.

PSA is committed to helping young learners pursue aviation careers and growing an inclusive and diverse pipeline of future talent for the American Airlines Group. We are thrilled that this sponsorship allows us to continue this commitment while also investing in one of our central communities. We look forward to following the bright futures of this talented group of future aviators.