American Airlines has awarded a $150,000 grant to Florida Memorial University (FMU) to support the Wayman Aviation Academy, an initiative dedicated to opening doors to aviation careers for underrepresented students and fostering a pipeline of skilled aviation professionals.
This contribution aligns with American Airlines’ mission to expand awareness and accessibility to aviation careers, particularly for students from diverse backgrounds.
Christina Flores, managing director of global talent acquisition at American Airlines, said: “Through this grant and our continued engagement, we are committed to ensuring the next generation of aviation professionals reflects our customers and the communities we serve.”
Through this partnership, American Airlines and FMU are working together to advance several core goals, including:
Supporting Wayman Aviation Academy: The grant will fund new initiatives, equipment upgrades, and enhanced training resources, providing students with cutting-edge educational experiences.
Strengthening talent access: FMU will offer American Airlines direct access to its aviation programme and related university affiliations, cultivating a reliable channel for recruiting top talent.
Building brand preference: American Airlines is committed to establishing itself as a top choice for FMU students and alumni by providing career development opportunities and industry connections.
Creating career pathways: Through this partnership, American Airlines will have access to a dedicated pipeline for internships and early-career roles, with a special focus on aspiring pilots and aviation management professionals.
Interim FMU president William McCormick, said: “Florida Memorial University is committed to preparing our aviation students with the training needed to compete in all aspects within the aviation industry. We are invigorated by the generosity of American Airlines and their commitment to FMU, which will assist our university in amplifying our students’ essential skills in addition to creating career opportunities and access to industry professionals.”
The partnership builds on American Airlines’ existing engagement with FMU students. The American campus team and Miami International Airport (MIA) Flight Chief office have developed strong relationships with FMU, providing mentorship, campus visits and base tours to enhance student experiences.
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