JetBlue Foundation e-Newsletter Fall Edition: Celebrating Girls in Aviation Day Every Day
The JetBlue Foundation Celebrates 'Girls in Aviation Day' Every Day
The JetBlue Foundation encourages aviation-related education and helps ignites interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, especially among communities traditionally underrepresented in these areas. Two of the JetBlue Foundation's signature programs introduce young girls to careers in aviation and STEM – Fly Like a Girl and Project Scientist STEM Expedition Academy.
Gender stereotyping begins as early as 4 and 5 when girls start to believe that math and science are for boys. By challenging these misconceptions and showing girls visible pathways to STEM careers, the JetBlue Foundation works to spark passion in girls for STEM to eventually foster careers in aviation. Here at the JetBlue Foundation, we believe that Girls in Aviation Day is every day.
Project Scientist STEM Expedition Academy is a summer program for girls ages four to 12, in Southern California who have a strong interest and aptitude for STEM. The vision of Project Scientist is to transform the face of STEM by nurturing future scientists who will lead the world in solving tomorrow's greatest challenges. The STEM Expedition Summer Academy includes behind-the-scenes looks at STEM-focused companies and college programs as well as a visit to JetBlue’s operation at Long Beach Airport.
Meet Some of Our New Grantees
This year, the JetBlue Foundation is fueling 13 programs with nearly $250,000 in grants to benefit their STEM and aviation initiatives. The 2019 grants will help 13 education programs introduce nearly 5,000 students from traditionally underrepresented communities to careers in aviation.
- Tools & Tiaras, Inc.
Tools & Tiaras, Inc. is committed to advancing the interest of young girls and women who want to pursue non-traditional careers. The JetBlue Foundation grant will help the organization expand its programming to motivate young girls and women dreaming of having careers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
- Elementary Institute of Science
The Elementary Institute of Science is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing lifelong opportunities for students of southeast San Diego through STEM education. This JetBlue Foundation grant will help the organization further develop its Girls Take Flight program.
- YMCA of Northern Utah
The YMCA of Northern Utah provides support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive. This grant will benefit their Gender Equity Program which guides students through activities focused on decision-making, problem-solving and critical-thinking.
- The Caribbean Science Foundation
The Caribbean Science Foundation assists with diversifying the economies of the Caribbean Region by harnessing science and technology for economic development, helping to raise the standard of living. These funds will support their Computer Coding Workshop and other efforts providing skills and economic opportunity for girls and women in Barbados.
The JetBlue Foundation seeks out programs focusing on communities traditionally under-represented in STEM and aviation fields including women, minority groups and veterans. Beyond just grants, the JetBlue Foundation provides in-kind support, mentoring, internships and more to make a difference for the next generation of aviators, dispatchers, aircraft mechanics and pilots. Over the past five years, the JetBlue Foundation has built ongoing relationships with more than 80 aviation and STEM-focused programs and provided over $1.5 million in grants to help these programs take off and soar.
JetBlue is currently accepting letters of inquiry for the Fall 2019 grants cycle. For grant criteria or to submit a proposal go to jetbluefoundation.org/grants. Visit the site for more information, to see how previous recipients have utilized their grants, examples of JetBlue Foundation partnerships in flight and other STEM-related news.
