The JFK Redevelopment Aviation and Aeronautics Academy at York College (JFKR AAA) celebrated its first fall graduating class of its new STEM program established in collaboration with Port Authority of NY & NJ, and airport partners at The New Terminal One, Delta Air Lines, JFKIAT, JFK Millennium Partners, and American Airlines.
On hand for the graduation celebration were York College key partners, New York State Assembly members Alicia Hyndman, Clyde Vanel, Queensborough President Donovan Richards, and staff from U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks’ office joined the celebration. York’s Provost Derrick Brazill brought greetings from York President Berenecea Johnson Eanes, who says, “Our new Aviation Academy is a gateway to knowledge and a future in a global industry. This is what being “One York” is all about, working together to build a leadership pipeline – starting in elementary school right through to college to the workforce.”
“It was a monumental and completely sold-out event – I have never seen such an outpouring of support for the program, particularly from parents and caregivers. Kudos to everyone for being part of the JFKR AAA team and accomplishing a memorable task. From my end, all of our teachers, peer leaders, and family focus group members worked together to reach this milestone. Our office manager, Omadevi Singh, demonstrated an exemplary work performance.” said Nazrul Khandaker, Ph.D., P.G., Director, JFKR STEM Academy.
Donovan Richards spoke to the students about his own experience in the aviation industry. He encouraged them to focus on teamwork and to look no further than the community they live in for a first-rate education and a career in the aviation industry.
The JFK Redevelopment Aviation and Aeronautics Academy program provides aviation-focused fall, spring, and summer STEM education and enrichment programs for up to 700 students from grades 1 through 12 in Queens. In partnership with York College, JFK AAA aims to expose local youth to science, technology, engineering, and math concepts related to aviation, aeronautics, and airport management and introduce them to leadership and career opportunities in the aviation industry.
1 Comment
Hats off to COHORT 1 for making it a grand success. Sincere acknowledgements are given to the funders, community leaders, parents, students and JFKR team. Our skilled STEM staff including teachers and peer leaders put together a formidable aviation-related curriculum to engage, inspire and educate underserved community youths and pique interest to become ready for the much-needed future workforce. So great to notice tremendous exuberance and spontaneous support from the parents and caregivers.