Is Anyone Interested in Gaining Exposure to the Aerospace Industry?
OBAP's Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy provides middle and high school youth with exposure to opportunities in aerospace and aviation through week long summer camps.
Endorsed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), OBAP has served a leading role in establishing ACE Academies nationwide to introduce, educate and guide diverse students towards careers in aviation.
In 1992, OBAP partnered with the FAA to support two ACE Academies reaching 41 students. In 1994, the organization co-sponsored 17 academies and reached more than 400 students. To date, OBAP’s ACE Academies have engaged more than 30,000 youth!
OBAP's immersive ACE Academies are structured and tailored to provide exposure to the history of aviation, fundamentals of aerodynamics, air traffic control procedures, aerospace technologies and introductions to aviation careers. Now in 26 locations including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with two terms in Memphis and Louisville, the program engages 1,100 students on an annual basis.
Captain Brandon Jones with the U.S. Air Force participated in the ACE Academy in 2000 and attributes this initial exposure to his professional success.
“Following the ACE Academy experience, I attended the Air Force Academy earning a degree in Space Operations and a pilot slot. I have been blessed to accomplish many firsts in my career, including being only the 6th black pilot to ever fly the U-2S. I would love to do anything I can to give back to OBAP and encourage students, showing them that anything is truly possible.”
Information shared by Steffen T. Landrum, President & CEO of Landrum Global Inc.