TEENS LEARN ABOUT CAREERS IN AVIATION INDUSTRY

By Sarah Bodenman

Noted entertained Steve Harvey partnered with American Airlines over  Father’s Day weekend to help support more than 100 African-American teenage boys at the Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend, held on Saturday, June 19.  Harvey and American Airlines hosted 100 boys aged 13 to 18 from across the country at its Alliance Maintenance Base in Fort Worth, Texas   The boys were able to talk to aircraft mechanics and pilots one-on-one during lunch to learn about careers in the aviation industry.  In addition, they toured exhibits by American Airlines, the Navy and Air Force, saw a full jet engine test and watched an emergency evacuation ramp test.

Harvey, an actor, comedian and best-selling author, created the Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend to support boys who are being raised without a father in the home. Harvey called on celebrity friends, business leaders and corporate sponsors such as American Airlines to lead motivational sessions on fitness and health, getting ready for college, making the best impression and other areas of self development. Over the four-day weekend, the teens also participated in activities such as tennis, fishing, golf and paintball.

“The real necessity for the mentorship program is the lack of fathers just being fathers,” Harvey said. “If every father were to accept the challenge before him, there would be no need for mentoring. I, myself, had to grow and understand the difficulties that some fathers face. We need to find avenues that a man can take to finally fulfill his role as a father.”

David Campbell, Vice President – Safety, Security and Environmental for American Airlines, welcomed the group to the base. “American continues its legacy of bringing aviation career opportunities to students,” said Campbell. “Young men need strong role models and I’m proud of the commitment by our employees who are devoting their time in mentoring these kids.”

American has several programs designed to expose students to aviation careers, including a Pilot Internship Program for college students majoring in aviation studies and a summer camp at the C.R. Smith Museum in Fort Worth for children in grades 5-8. The airline also participates each year in the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals’ Aviation Career Education (ACE) Camp, which introduces middle and high school children to aviation careers.

As you gather with your family this summer at your family reunions, consider the boys in your family or neighborhoods who may need positive male role models. Reach out, get involved, and use your time as a family to consider ways you can strengthen and support young men in your family and community.  Although the old African proverb has been over-used in recent years,  it really does take a village.

For more information, please visit www.aa.com and www.SteveHarveyFoundation.com.