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Airbus Corporate Foundation and Wichita United Way partner to offer youth mentoring program

As part of its commitment to inspiring students, the Airbus Corporate Foundation has teamed up with the United Way of the Plains to bring its Flying Challenge youth mentoring program to the U.S. for the first time.

25 October 2012 Feature story

This year-long initiative, which assists motivated students who are at risk of not graduating from high school, was launched with a recent event at Wichita, Kansas’ Exploration Place. The program commenced with the attendance of 71 students from the Brooks Technology and Arts Magnet Middle School at a live science show, viewing an Airbus film about flight (The Future by Airbus) and touring exhibits, as well as meeting Airbus employees and Wichita State University engineering students who will serve as volunteer mentors and tutors throughout the school year.

The Flying Challenge program uses tours, field trips, hands-on experience and one-on-one conversations to demonstrate how professionals apply such skills as math, science and engineering on a daily basis. This initiative – which aims to inspire young men and women to pursue degrees and potential aviation careers – will conclude with a special flying experience in the spring where students can fly in a small aircraft after touring the National Center for Aviation Training.

Airbus first instituted the Flying Challenge for students in Toulouse, France during February.