Since converting all that we do to an online format, we’ve been experiencing a number of “firsts” with our aviation career education program. This past summer has been no exception.
18 workshops – 20 guest speakers – 280 attendees
It was a sensational series of workshops which provided career readiness instruction and open discussion to high school and college students, and active job seekers. The second half of each one-hour workshop introduced exceptional industry leaders, who described their career journeys and how they’re currently impacting the industry.
Thank you leaders!
The following speakers, some of whom are featured in photos, played an incredible role in making our summer workshop series so amazing!
Jon Rembold – Hilton Head Island Airport
Greg Meisinger – American Airlines, USNavy
Hernan Posada – NASA
Joe Rajacic – United Airlines (Retired)
Robert Voyles – Bakersfield Municipal Airport
Larry Crapo – Advanced Airport
Ryan Ditto – Sacramento County Department of Airports
Rick Gould – NASA Armstrong Flight Center
Dennis Corsi – Armstrong Consultants
Marily Mora – Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Tom Hall – Law Offices of Thomas Hall
Ben Miller – Dassault Falcon Jet
Justin Klatt – Army National Guard
Brittany Medrano – Armstrong Consultants
Courtney Pino – AssuredPartners
Ellen Carr – University of Dubuque
Tim Genc – Future & Active Pilot Advisors
Joel Scekeres – JSfirm.com
Candidate Spotlights
Alex Payne
This recent Sparks High School graduate attended our final networking reception in 2019, then became a fixture at on-site, then online workshops from that point forward. Although he had never flown an aircraft, his goal was to become a commercial pilot. He achieved certification through our career readiness process, then set his sights on Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Through hard work, impressive academic performance, and great connections, he was not only accepted but received significant tuition assistance to enroll at his dream school. He’s currently enjoying his first semester at Embry-Riddle.
Teja Swaroop Reddy Seelam
Introduced to Pathways to Aviation by his good friend, Chandra, Teja first started attending workshops during last May’s Aviation Career Week. Like his friend, he moved to the United States from India two years ago in search of an aviation career.
He recently earned his Master’s Degree in Aviation and Aerospace Management from Purdue University. We’d like to think we helped him achieve greatness, but he was already on his way. However, with a little assistance and lots of mentoring, he was just offered a full-time position with CommutAir as a Reliability Analyst.
There are many more stories of outstanding students and job seekers we could share. These two are the most recent examples of the quality of candidates we train, certify, coach, mentor, and connect.
Outstanding Contributor
We’re pleased to announce a recent contribution from the ISTAT Foundation.
Founded in 1983, the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading is the premier international, not-for-profit organization dedicated to aviation professionals with forums for increased networking and educational opportunities. The ISTAT Foundation supports individuals and institutions that promote the advancement of commercial aviation and humanitarianism.
The ISTAT Foundation invested in the Pathways to Aviation Career Readiness program.
Upcoming Events
Auburn University Aviation Career Fair – 9/23
NBAA Collegiate Student Live Webinar (Virtual) – 9/23
FAPA In-Person Future Pilot Forum (Dallas, TX) – 9/25
FAPA In-Person Pilot Job Fair (Dallas, TX) – 9/25
Youth Aviation Adventure (Minden, NV) – 9/25
Embry-Riddle In-Person Career Expo (Prescott, AZ) – 9/30
Utah State University Aviation Career Fair – 9/30
Embry-Riddle Virtual Career Expo – 10/6
Embry-Riddle In-Person Career Expo (Daytona Beach, FL) – 10/12
NBAA-BACE Convention – 10/12-14
University of Dubuque Aviation Career Fair – 10/14
Carson High School Career Day (Carson, NV) – 10/20
Carson Middle School Career Day (Carson, NV) – 10/26
Embry-Riddle Graduate School Expo (Virtual) – 10/26
Purdue University Aviation Career Fair – 11/4
Reno High School Interview Day (Reno, NV) – 11/4
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorships are available for the aviation and aerospace businesses and industry associations to brand, meet students and job seekers, and promote open positions.
As an added feature, all sponsors will be featured in our 2022 Career Planning Workbook. The deadline to be included in the Workbook is October 3, 2021.
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, CLICK HERE or contact Pete Parker at your earliest convenience.
Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines
AMT Maintenance Scholarships – 9/24 deadline – details
Figure1 Foundation Glider Scholarship – 9/30 deadline – details
Figure1 Foundation Aerobatics Scholarship – 9/30 deadline – details
Kolstad Award College Scholarship – 9/30 deadline – details
Dr. Campbell CFI-G Scholarship – 9/30 deadline – details
San Luis Obispo Ninety-Nines Scholarship – 10/15 deadline – details
Reno High Sierra Ninety-Nines Private Pilot Scholarship – 10/29 deadline – details
Reno High Sierra Ninety-Nines Advanced Rating Scholarship – 10/29 – details
Reno High Sierra Ninety-Nines Andrea Rice Memorial Scholarship – 10/29 deadline – details
Reno High Sierra Ninety-Nines Aviation Discovery Scholarship – 10/29 deadline – details
Reno High Sierra Ninety-Nines Final Approach Scholarship – 10/29 deadline – details
EAA Flight Training Scholarships – 11/1 deadline – details
Upcoming Workshops
We’re hosting two workshops before we launch our upcoming workshop series. You’re invited to attend these discussions, which take place on Wednesdays at 4:00pm PDT.
September 22 Topic: Career Journey Obstacles
Guest: None. It’s an open discussion between students, job seekers, and mentors.
September 29 Topic: Scholarships
Guests: Ceci Stratford (San Fernando Valley Ninety-Nines) and Tarra Ruttman (Aviation Technician Education Council and Choose Aerospace)
Invest in the future of aviation. Donate to Pathways to Aviation.
Our efforts to train students on their career readiness skills comes at a financial cost. Whether it’s our specially-designed online certification system, the career planning workbook, the online workshop platform, or the hours of staff coaching, preparing students to pursue their college and career dreams is expensive.
Because we don’t charge students or schools to participate in our programs, we rely 100% on private donations and sponsorships to make it happen.
Please consider making a donation to Pathways to Aviation to prepare the next generation of aviation leaders for career success. CLICK HERE to invest in the future of aviation.
Announcing our Fall 2021 / Winter 2022 Workshop Series
We’re excited to present our upcoming workshop series. Beginning the first Wednesday in October and ending on the first Wednesday in February, we’ll present a full spectrum of career readiness instruction and tips to students and job seekers.
Everyone’s invited to attend. They’re completely free of charge, thanks to contributions received from sponsorships, private foundations, and individual donors.
