Cleared for Takeoff: 20 CUSD Scholars Discover Aviation Careers
Media Release
Compton Unified partnered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), and American Airlines to provide 20 scholars from Centennial, Compton High, Compton Academy of Technology and Innovation (C-Tech), Enterprise, and Jefferson with an unforgettable week-long Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy this summer.
Designed for scholars in grades 9–12, the immersive program introduced participants to the many career opportunities within the aviation and aerospace industries while highlighting the educational pathways needed to achieve their goals.
Throughout the week, scholars participated in hands-on activities and visited Relativity Space, March Air Reserve Base, the Long Beach Airport Air Traffic Control Tower, Signature Aviation, Wing Drone Delivery, the LAX Fire Department, and American Airlines.
These experiences introduced students to careers in aerospace engineering, rocket manufacturing, drone operations and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), air traffic control, private and commercial piloting, aircraft maintenance, airport operations, aviation management, emergency services, and many other aviation-related fields.
The academy concluded with an unforgettable graduation ceremony at Compton/Woodley Airport, where scholars took to the skies and co-piloted an aircraft alongside certified Fly Compton pilots as proud family members cheered them on.
More than just a career exploration program, the ACE Academy inspired scholars to envision their futures in aviation and aerospace while connecting them with industry professionals who demonstrated that, with the right education, training, and determination, these exciting careers are within their reach.
