American Airlines hosted 50 Harding University High School students at their Base Maintenance Facility in Charlotte on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. The tour, organized by Sullenberger Aviation Museum’s (SAM) education department, is part of the museum’s commitment to engaging nearby high school students with aviation career opportunities in their own backyard. Awareness of and access to real-world job opportunities are critical factors for marginalized communities achieving gainful employment.
Led by American Airlines employees, Harding ROTC students toured the maintenance hangar and STORES (the airline’s storage facility), which allowed them to see the inner workings of American Airlines up close. Students were able to explore potential career paths and ask industry professionals questions while they were on the job. SAM is partnering with American Airlines and other aerospace employers in its commitment to connect under-represented communities with opportunities in aviation, aerospace, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
Harding University High School is a Title I High School located only 2 miles from the museum’s new campus on CLT Airport property. For many of the students, this was their first time to board an airplane or visit an airport.
SAM is working to be a clearinghouse for area opportunities (internships, field trips, training programs, and apprenticeships) for high school students.
