Boeing is offering $1M in scholarships to train pilots from underrepresented communities.

Boeing has recently announced a massive $950,000 initiative to provide scholarships to pilots from underrepresented communities. This program, according to a statement from Boeing, will be split into two distinct parts.

Around $450,000 of the initiative will be allocated to Fly Compton, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, to help encourage minority youth to pursue a career in aerospace. This investment will enable the organization to increase their flight training classes and introduce career topics related to building, designing, and maintaining airplanes and drones.

This funding package will make a huge impact on the organization. According to Demetrius Harris, President and Executive Director of Fly Compton, this donation will help to break down the barriers of entry to the piloting profession. He said, “At Fly Compton, we know that lack of exposure, access to resources, and the high cost of flight training prevent underrepresented populations from exploring careers in aviation. We focus on eliminating these barriers to entry, and this funding package from Boeing helps us continue this important work.”

The remaining $500,000 of the initiative will be split between five other organizations, including the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Sisters of the Skies, Women in Aviation International, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and Latino Pilots Association. Altogether, these organizations will offer 25 scholarships with the help of the Boeing initiative.

Samantha Whitfield, Executive Director for the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, commented on the importance of the initiative. She said, “Funding flight training is often one of the greatest barriers for students of color pursuing a pilot career. Scholarship partners like Boeing provide the much-needed support to fuel the careers of aspiring aviators.”

This initiative is particularly important because of the shortage of Black pilots in the airline industry. As BLACK ENTERPRISE reported, when COVID-19 hit the US, airlines were looking to recruit Black pilots to fill the gap. With this incredible $950,000 commitment, Boeing is helping to make this a reality.

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