DeSoto ISD Kicks Off National Aviation Month with Inspiring Visit from Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
DeSoto Independent School District ‘s Katherine Johnson Technology and Magnet School kicked off National Aviation Month with an inspiring visit from the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, a group dedicated advancing minority involvement and representation in aviation and aerospace careers.
The organization visited KJTMA to speak with students about careers in aviation, the importance of diversity in the aerospace industry, and the educational pathways that can lead to success in this exciting field.
Seventh and eighth grade students at KJTMA welcomed guest speakers Justin Peach, a skilled airplane mechanic and Kandise Taylor, an experienced pilot and flight instructor for an engaging talk about career opportunities, diversity in aerospace, and educational pathways.
Taylor explained the critical role instruments play in her profession.
“I’m learning how to rely on my instruments to fly,” said Taylor as she went on explaining to the students the type of instruments she has to use.
Peach highlighted the wide range of career options that are available in the field of aviation and aerospace, such as becoming an A&P Mechanic and other engineering roles, as he encourages students to continue to explore aerospace programs at the college and university level.
Both speakers shared their experiences in the industry as black professionals and gave valuable insights into aviation, mechanics and STEM fields, inspiring students to explore these exciting industries.
“It's very important, it's very important to us and very important getting that minority base demographic to experience that type of career growth,” said Peach. “The skies the limit on how broad aerospace and engineering can be.”
This event provided students with the opportunity to learn from these experts in the aerospace industry where minority representation remains limited.
“It’s so limited as far as seeing people that look like myself,” Peach explained. “When we go out into the field and we go into these companies and self-employed career fields, the diversity is so limited so it just good seeing smart multicultural people that can do it just like the next person.”
Through specialized project-based learning, and exposure to real-world opportunities in aeronautics, aviation, and advanced manufacturing industries, students at KJTMA can see a future soaring as high as a spacecraft.
Connecting students with professionals in the aerospace industry demonstrates DeSoto ISD commitment to fostering a learning environment that emphasizes STEM education and career readiness.
These initiatives provide students with real world knowledge and inspiration and help them envision a future where they can thrive in these fields.
DeSoto ISD continues to nurture a generation of students equipped with the skills, curiosity, and ambition needed to reach for the stars.