Six young women from the Ferguson-Florissant School District took a historic flight on Thursday June 5, 2025, when they were inducted into the fifth class of the Red Tail Cadet Program (RTCP).
This year’s cohort marks a historic milestone as the first all-female class, and its members completed the program’s six-week aviation and leadership training experience.
The respective 10th and 11th grade students were selected through a competitive application process that assessed their academic excellence, leadership promise, and commitment to personal growth.
The all-girls cohort carries forward the legacy of pioneering women in aviation—from Bessie Coleman to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP.)
The cadets will take flight as the next generation of innovators and leaders.
Through immersive flight simulator sessions, in-aircraft training, financial literacy workshops, and leadership development, the RTCP offers students more than aviation skills—it provides a launchpad for lifelong achievement and influence.
The Red Tail Cadet Program honors the heroic legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by providing underrepresented youth with access to aviation education and career development. With a mission to empower students and foster community impact, RTCP equips cadets with the confidence, discipline, and leadership skills needed to soar—in the skies and in life
The program is made possible by the continued support of The Crossing, a non-denominational church with four St. Louis area campuses, Elite Aviation, Boeing, The Mann Family Foundation, Spirit Jets, Holland Law Firm, and the Ferguson-Florissant School District.