Using STEM to Build Young Students' Passion to Soar

By Terry Arnold

Show me a kid who doesn’t like airplanes, and I’ll show you a kid who doesn’t like Kellogg’s® Froot Loops. What child doesn’t look up at the sky, see an aircraft, and think, “That could be me up there!”

For most, it remains just a dream. But for those with a true passion for flying, the future is bright—provided they study hard, find mentors, and develop a keen interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). STEM is an excellent pathway for students to explore career opportunities, location preferences, and competitive salaries.

The aviation industry is growing rapidly, but at the same time, it’s losing experienced workers to retirement in roles critical to making airplanes and helicopters fly. This looming workforce shortage is an important factor for middle school students to consider as they prepare to step ahead by engaging with the world of flight now.

Aviation careers include more than just pilots—they also involve maintainers, designers, managers, and flight control professionals. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) projects that over the next 20 years, more than two million employees will be needed to sustain America’s global leadership in aviation.

According to the FAA, careers in STEM fields offer, on average, 26% higher pay and are less likely to face reductions during budget cuts. These benefits motivate students to get involved in STEM programs, and in this case, pursue careers in aviation.

But where will these future aerospace workers come from, especially when today’s youth seem to be gravitating toward fields outside of science, technology, engineering, and math? How can young people learn about aviation and develop an interest in flight and space?

It’s crucial to introduce STEM career opportunities as early as middle school when students begin exploring careers that offer training, experience, and a good living.

The STEM Flights Program: Pairing Pilots with Students

STEM Flights, a national nonprofit focused on youth aviation education, was created by retired Air Force Brigadier General Dave Brubaker, or “General Bru,” as he is known. After retiring, General Bru continued to consult for the defense industry, where he witnessed the increasing need for pilots and technical skills in both military and civil aviation. To address the impending workforce shortage, he established a nationwide mentoring program.

General Bru’s mentoring program pairs professional aviation volunteers with students, encouraging them to study STEM and experience real-life flying. In addition to piloting, students participate in missions focused on advanced air mobility, aerospace engineering, and other aviation-related fields.

“My favorite kind of flying is taking kids up who’ve never experienced the joy of being in a small aircraft,” General Bru shared. “I love seeing the wonder and excitement on their faces and the pride they feel when they take control and get a taste of being a pilot. Giving them hands-on experience in actual flight operations motivates them to consider aviation as a career.”

Tales of Two Future Pilots

One student eager to explore aviation was Brennan Jingles, a middle schooler from Geismar, Louisiana. Brennan aspired to become a commercial pilot and discovered STEM Flights through an online search. After applying and completing the required forms,

Brennan was paired with volunteer instructor pilot Tony Classen, who took him on a flight near his home.

Brennan admitted he was nervous when he first took control of the aircraft, but once he got the hang of it, he loved it! His flight experience fueled his desire to learn more about flying. He recently completed a 12-week course with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), a nonprofit that prepares aspiring aerospace professionals. Brennan continues to study and participate in programs to reach his goal of becoming a commercial pilot.

Another student, Violet Saylors, a seventh grader from Jackson, Michigan, was also excited about her future in aviation. Through STEM Flights, Violet got the chance to take control of an aircraft, something she had always dreamed of. She admitted feeling a bit scared at first, but that fear disappeared when she took full control of the plane with her mentor’s guidance. Violet is now determined to pursue a career as an aerial photographer.

Other students involved in STEM Flights have also gained valuable insight into aviation. Some now work at local airports, while others are attending college to deepen their knowledge of flight operations and business. Several are actively taking flying lessons, with aspirations of becoming licensed pilots and pursuing careers in both military and commercial aviation.

STEM Flights Expands Nationwide

STEM Flights operates in 47 states and is aiming to expand into all 50. Austin Campbell, a retired Coast Guard member, manages the program’s nationwide efforts. As operations manager, Campbell oversees program processes, recruits volunteer mentors, and identifies opportunities to expand this hands-on aviation mentoring program.

“Our volunteer pilot mentors are the heart of our organization,” explained General Bru. “They donate their time, aircraft, and passion to help inspire the next generation. Without them, we wouldn’t be celebrating six years of growth.”

Program Growth and Support

STEM Flights’ expansion has been made possible by grants from private family foundations, individual donors, corporate sponsors, and fundraising efforts. This additional support has allowed the program to increase its resources, improve follow-up after flights, and conduct background checks for volunteers.

Students and Mentors Needed

Carley Walker, General Bru’s daughter, oversees recruiting both mentors and students. As the national development director and a student pilot herself, she uses her experience in nonprofit marketing to introduce young people to aviation and STEM career paths.

“We were raised to be passionate about life, grateful for our blessings, and to give back,” said Walker. “STEM Flights allows youth to experience the power of flight and the rewarding career opportunities that aviation provides.”

STEM Flights Director of Education, Maria Hoxmeier, noted that the program’s STEM-aviation curriculum incorporates the latest technologies and encourages critical career exploration. “We challenge students to learn about aviation by researching concepts and completing experiments before they’re matched with a pilot mentor,” she said.

“We’re building the next generation of aviation enthusiasts, professionals, and future leaders,” added Walker. As evidenced by Brennan and Violet’s stories, the excitement and passion for aviation is clear.

To get involved in STEM Flights as a student or a mentor, visit stemflights.org to sign up.