Project LIFT

Jun 21, 2023

Exciting hands-on learning experiences allow students to learn about the many different pathways to careers in aviation. 06-21-2023 Downloadable Version SAN ANTONIO, TX — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) recently hosted its Airport Business Diversity Conference in San Antonio. During the event, the organization — through the AMAC Foundation and in partnership with the San Antonio Airport System  — introduced area students to exciting career pathways in aviation and related fields via the Project Leaders Inspiring Future Talent ( Project LIFT ) initiative. Project LIFT engages students through an array of interactive learning activities, targeted workshops, innovative STEM projects and mentoring from industry experts. "This is why we created Project LIFT — to expose the next generation to aviation," said Eric Warner, Senior Government and Military Affairs Specialist with the City of San Antonio Aviation Department. Approximately 100 students in grades 8 to 12 took place in the free daylong program, which included workshops focusing on topics such as airport management, pilot career pathways, airport design and drone maintenance and operation. "There are marketing people, there's law enforcement in aviation, there's entrepreneurship in aviation, there's engineering and there's construction; there are plenty of opportunities in aviation," said Cleve Dunn, Jr., AMAC Foundation Board Member. "We chose four different fields that we wanted to expose the kids to," continued Warner. "We wanted to expose them to different opportunities, and then link them up with people here in the local community who could be mentors for them." Additionally, students engaged with existing exhibits at AREA 21 that are relevant to aviation and aerospace operations, including various aspects of cybersecurity and resilience of critical infrastructure. "There are endless opportunities for everybody," said student Kristyn Legier. "There's a job open for anything you want to do in aviation. You can do anything." Photo credits: Port San Antonio.