The 2025 Take Flight Forum, hosted by Bi-State Development’s St. Louis Regional Freightway, brought together aviation leaders, educators and students to explore the region’s aerospace industry and opportunities for youth interested in aviation and STEM careers.
“STEM to Sky!” featured a panel discussion with Dr. Jennifer Kephart, superintendent of the Washington, Mo., School District, and Yolandea Wood, president of the Hugh J. White Tuskegee Airmen Chapter and director of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals’ ACE Academy.
Wood said direct experiences, mentorship and scholarships are available in the St. Louis region, but more students need to apply. She highlighted programs through the Tuskegee Airmen chapter and the ACE Academy that are designed to motivate youth, including drone flights, discovery flights and immersive STEM activities.
Many of the programs are offered in partnership with regional organizations including Gateway Eagles, Young Eagles, Elite Aviation and the Gateway Aerospace Foundation at Creve Coeur Airport. The Tuskegee Airmen chapter also provides a free drone certification program for members and sponsors simulator classes to help make advanced aviation experiences more accessible.
Scholarships are available to high school seniors with a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need, regardless of race. Wood said the ACE Academy has 30 available slots in the region, but the highest enrollment to date has been 22 students.