Herbert H. Jones, Jr. Youth in Aviation Program

Founded by the East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen Inc., the Herbert H. Jones, Jr. Youth in Aviation Program focuses on ushering minority youth into aviation careers through a structured multi-level approach. High school students between 15 and 19 years benefit from a fall semester of immersive Saturday sessions covering aviation topics and introductory flight experience at College Park Airport. Those dedicated to piloting advance to Level II’s ground school, preparing them to pass the FAA written exam with weekend classes in the late winter and early spring. Successful candidates then participate in summer flight lessons, gaining around 15 hours of flight instruction at Metropolitan Aviation Flight School in Clinton, Maryland, working towards solo flight certification. The program values group participation and legacy continuation, backed by community and business support, encouraging ongoing engagement in aviation.