Capt. Barrington Irving, in partnership with Atlantic Aviation, is expanding its STEM and workforce outreach initiative in collaboration with the Chicago Public Schools, bringing new, hands-on aviation career training to students on Chicago’s South Side.
Through the Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS) program, students from Morgan Park High School will gain immersive exposure to careers in business aviation, including opportunities within FBOs and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO).
“At Atlantic, we believe aviation should be accessible to anyone with the drive to pursue it. This initiative is about opening doors — connecting students to real opportunities and showing them what’s possible,” said Jeff Foland, Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Aviation. “We’re proud to partner with Capt. Barrington Irving, Chicago Public Schools, and the City of Chicago to help build a stronger, more inclusive future for our industry.”
Designed to connect students with real-world opportunities, the program focuses on those seeking alternative pathways to success, including introducing them to careers that don’t always require a traditional four-year degree.
“I know firsthand how powerful access and opportunity can be. When young people are given the chance to step into this world and see what’s possible, it can change the trajectory of their lives,” said Irving, creator of the Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS). “That’s what this program is all about — meeting students where they are and helping them take that first step.”
Beginning in the spring of 2026 and continuing through the summer, students will start their journey through opportunities with BITTS, with some students advancing to paid summer internships for real-world experience in aviation environments.
“At Chicago Public Schools, we want every student to see a future that feels possible and within reach. For students who have been historically underrepresented, that means opening doors to industries where they have not always had access or representation,” said CPS Deputy Chief of College and Career Success Armando Rodriguez. “Partnerships like this one give students real access to high-quality careers and the chance to learn from leaders like Capt. Barrington Irving, so they can see themselves in these spaces and know they belong.”
Irving broke into the spotlight in 2007 when he became the youngest person to fly a plane around the world. Since then his non-profit, Experience Aviation, has built aviation workforce training centers to help train the next generation of aviation professionals.
For more information: ExperienceAviation.org, AtlanticAviation.com, CPS.edu
This sounds like a great program. Congrats to the organizers and best of luck to the students who are enrolled.
Great program. Too many talented kids have no interest in aviation because they’ve never been exposed to it and they can’t imagine themselves being a part of it. If the U.S. is going to continue to be the world leader in aerospace, we have to find and encourage all the talent our nation offers.