Aviation Changes the Lives of Youth with A Different Point Of View

By Ali Cortes

Aviation is a world that is larger than life, and A Different Point Of View, a nonprofit leadership development organization serving youth, ages 14-19 throughout Santa Barbara County, is determined to show youth their potential using aviation and mentoring as a launching pad. “We show them how to become captains of their own ship and that their decisions are important for their future.”

Inspired by the impact aviation has and opportunities available to flourish in a setting that provides leadership development, Lynn Houston (founder) visualized a program that improved the chances of at risk youth successfully transitioning into adulthood. In 2012 she took the leap of faith and launched A Different Point OF View. The mission is to engage, inspire and transform youth using flight lessons as a launching pad. Through their programs: Aviation Career Program, Aviation Exploration Day, and Discovery Days the students engage back to academic success, responsible independence, job readiness, and overall motivation to participate in positive lifestyles. Since 2012, ADPOV has served over 500 youth, many of whom have remained a part of the organization, graduated high school, gone onto college and stepped into leadership roles in their community. Take the word of Soraya, a student who participated in ADPOV:

“My name is Soraya. There was a time in my life I struggled believing in myself. At 13 I was already incarcerated for some serious charges. One day my probation officer brought me and four other girls to ADPOV’s Aviation Career Program in 2012. They taught me a different side of the world I didn’t know about. That world was a better life with hope and joy. They taught me that I could have a life that was good. Before that time I didn’t believe in myself because everyone would tell me I wouldn’t amount to anything. The program taught me skills, careers, and many other things. I was the first person in my family to graduate high school and when I did they came to the ceremony. I have now started my own journey to success. I have a job, a car and am enrolled full time in college. A Different Point of View changed my life.” She is an example of what all our youth have experienced.

“Through aviation education and mentoring, we show them a world they’ve never seen before. Many of our youth come from low-income households or the juvenile justice system and lack a belief in their ability to succeed in this world.” ADPOV is fueled by passionate adults who care about supporting young people by helping to develop them to reach their full potential. Volunteers and partnerships with community allies are crucial in providing the mentors that these young adults need to cultivate a safe setting to be led and to become leaders.

The award winning Aviation Career Program’s curriculum includes leadership and self awareness training, air traffic control and aircraft maintenance workshops, simulator training and professional flight lessons. Students are introduced to professionals and job opportunities both in and out of the aviation field. Students are taught the mechanics and inner workings of an airplane and are taken to the Santa Barbara Airport to meet airline captains, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, and other aviation-industry personnel.

Currently Lynn Houston has handed the baton to Ali Cortes who has stepped in as Executive Director. She is just as passionate and driven to continue providing the impactful programs. She was introduced to ADPOV by a youth she was mentoring.” I was so impressed by her confidence and milestones because she had a very challenging upbringing. She introduced me to the organization and I fell in love. I was a volunteer for three years and a board member for one before I took the leadership position. ADPOV gave me the honor to witness major life changes and transformations. I witnessed young women become adults. In a matter of minutes they learned the importance of active listening, communicating, taking proper action, and managing their emotions. This is a unique program that is worth investing time, donations, and innovative ideas to keep it thriving.

As the world of aviation grows, the concepts of ADPOV grows with it. Recently they have taken students into the classrooms and then to the fields to learn about drones. The use of drones is increasing with its innovative technology. They are being implemented in many job fields, and it is an opportunity to use STEM curriculum to educate youth about something that is very relevant to their generation. Students have partnered with professionals who donate their time and equipment to teach them the correct ways to use drones. There is more to drones than opening the box and using them. Just like the Aviation Career Program, the students take a ground course safety and regulations of usage before they are taught to fly them. They expand their knowledge as they expand their view on careers for their future. The partnership with Santa Barbara Drone Club is an example of how a community can thrive and support the sustainability of it. The nonprofit is a group effort. ADPOV finds support with the Santa Barbara County Probation Department, Santa Barbara Airport, International Organization of Women Pilots, Police Activity League, Signature FBO, ACI Jets, private donors and other organizations. Due to these groups we have been able to stay on course with our mission. Our students have been able to take tours, use equipment, learn the history they can connect with, find mentors, fly, and even fly on their own. Together we give back to what gave us so much.

For more information go to: http://www.adifferentpointofview.org/