Next Generation Aviation Academy, a Fresno, California initiative to train the next generation of aviation professionals from communities of color and low-income neighborhoods, has received a $180,000 grant from the Wood Next Fund.
“Next Generation Aviation Academy is both developing a critical workforce pipeline for the aviation industry and helping open doors for underrepresented youth that would otherwise not be possible,” said Nancy Chan, director, of the Wood Next Fund, the philanthropy of tech innovator Anthony Wood and his wife Susan. “Wood Next is excited to partner with this initiative to provide much needed resources to help support these ongoing efforts.”
The academy is led by New Vision Aviation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing residents and youth from disadvantaged communities in the San Joaquin Valley with the opportunity to experience flight and train for aviation careers.
Founded in 2018 by Joseph Oldham, who serves as president of the all-volunteer organization, the non-profit is based at Fresno Chandler Executive Airport (KFCH).
“The incredible donation from Wood Next Fund will allow our program to have the essential tools and additional resources we need to increase training for unrepresented youth from our communities of color,” said Oldham. “It will help to open doors to aviation careers for those that have dreams of flight but had previously thought those dreams were out of reach.”
“The aviation industry has a critical and growing shortage of trained professionals to fill the needs of the industry over the next 20 years,” he continued. “Boeing estimates that there will be a shortage of over 760,000 pilots globally in the next two decades and about the same number of maintenance technicians.”
The three-phase program is organized by three age groups, ranging from ages 8 to 19. The youngest students are first introduced with flight simulator training, advancing to glider flight training once they are 13 years old. Private pilot training is the final phase of the program offered to 16 to 19-year-olds.
Through Fresno County Transportation Authority’s Sustainable Aviation Project, New Vision Aviation has $90,000 in funding available to be disbursed in $2,000 increments to provide glider pilot training to qualifying youth in Fresno County. With a glider certification, youth may then advance and become certified to train, allowing for opportunities to earn money by serving as glider instructors. It is also a first step toward commercial pilot certification, officials noted.
“Receiving a glider pilot certification means that the FAA is certifying that you are qualified to fly a glider safely and responsibly to protect yourself and the general public,” Oldham said. “It says you have learned and proven that you have the skills and good decision making to join the ranks of great aviation pioneers that have gone before you such as the Wright brothers, Lindbergh, and graduates of the United States Air Force Academy.”
Once students have completed these steps and exhibit a dedication to pursuing a career in aviation, their names will be provided to major airlines for potential sponsorships toward training for private pilot and commercial pilot certification.
“I will take this opportunity to learn to operate and fly planes to my best ability and to be great in this field,” stated 12-year-old New Vision Aviation student Sammy Taylor. “In doing so, I will show others that anything is possible if someone believes in you and you put your best effort.”
Next Generation Aviation Academy is one of 19 Fresno DRIVE (Developing the Region’s inclusive and Vibrant Economy) initiatives. Fresno DRIVE is a 10-year community-wide investment plan, supported by the Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) and involving hundreds of non-profit and civic leaders, to develop a prosperous and inclusive economy for the residents of the greater Fresno region.
To find out more, go to CentralValleyCF.org or NewVisionAviation.org.