A Summer of Growth, Leadership, and Flight
2026 Summer Aviation Program Cadets.
One Sky. Two Months. Ten Cadets. And a Summer They'll Never Forget.
Our 2026 cadets are more than halfway through our annual Tuskegee NEXT Summer Aviation Program, and they've hit the runway at full speed. Each of them has officially completed their first solo flight—a major milestone on the journey toward earning their private pilot and drone licenses.
Cadet Aniba Coleman with youth at the flight stimulator station during Aviation Day
"There's no better way to learn than by actually getting in the aircraft and applying what you've studied," said 2026 cadet Aniba Coleman. "Every flight has helped me become more confident and has made my dream of becoming an airline pilot feel more real."
But this summer has been about more than flight hours.
From career exploration opportunities with Republic Airways, United Airlines, and NASA to networking with Tuskegee NEXT's board members and exploring the city of Chicago together, our cadets have gained valuable industry exposure while building lasting friendships, confidence, and leadership skills.
"The most impactful part of summer with Tuskegee NEXT has been realizing that this program is about more than flight training," said 2026 cadet Ousmane Bah. "This program builds leadership, confidence, and a community that truly believes in your success."
Along the way, our cadets have navigated challenges both in and out of the cockpit. Whether mastering new flight skills, tackling coursework, or overcoming personal obstacles, they've continued to show up with resilience, determination, and a willingness to grow. "Tuskegee NEXT has taught me that I'm capable of much more than I give myself credit for," said Coleman. "It showed me that I can overcome challenges, adapt under pressure, and accomplish things that once felt impossible."
As they continue working toward their certifications, one thing is already clear: this summer has been about far more than learning to fly.
Cadet Ousmane Bah during Aviation Day
It's been about discovering what's possible through discipline, mentorship, and community.
We're incredibly proud of our 2026 cadets and can't wait to see where their journeys take them next as they carry forward the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen while shaping the future of aviation.