I chose the Tuskegee NEXT program because of its strong focus and intensity towards the cadet’s success. I feel that Tuskegee NEXT is the perfect opportunity to jump-start my career as a professional pilot.

Most of all, I chose Tuskegee NEXT because of the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and all that Tuskegee Next does to keep that legacy alive.

I decided to apply for Tuskegee NEXT because I want to be a part of a group of young and ambitious students who are striving towards similar goals as me. I fully understand that Tuskegee NEXT is not only a program that helps you achieve your private pilot certificate but is also an organization that helps you with life skills and prepares you for the world ahead. So far within my Tuskegee NEXT experience, I have been able to meet some of the wonderful staff at the Illinois Aviation Academy. Applying to Tuskegee NEXT has been one of the best choices for my future because I will have lifelong friendships, constant support, and last but not least, my private pilot certificate.

I decided to join Tuskegee NEXT because of Ms. Holmes, who was my teacher/mentor in Aerostars during high school. She saw how interested and serious I was about becoming a pilot. She mentioned Tuskegee NEXT to me and I was intrigued. Along with Ms. Holmes, I also knew alumni of the program that told me I should go for it. Everything I heard about Tuskegee NEXT was exactly what I wanted to be apart of. Aviation is expensive, especially becoming a pilot. The amount of gratitude I have for the Tuskegee NEXT group for making an organization as wonderful as this one is immense. To invest in the future of young adults and help them succeed is amazing. It truly pushed me to make it happen and become a cadet. It has been the greatest opportunity thus far and I am so thankful!

Tuskegee NEXT is an amazing opportunity based in community that honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. To be a part of something historic is amazing. Tuskegee NEXT will enable me to be financially unburdened with the immense cost of funding my private pilot's license. I am inspired by the work, values, and morals of the foundation. They work so hard to do what I hope to give back to my community one day.

Many summer opportunities helped me visualize my aviation journey. However, the most influential experience was being interviewed and selected by my mentor, Delta Airlines’ Flight Instructor, Branden Dungy, to participate in the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Solo Flight Academy. His support and guidance led me to successfully solo and push myself to apply for the Tuskegee NEXT Program.

I was first introduced to the Tuskegee NEXT Program while in OBAP and again by Xavier Samuels while attending TSU. When I visited the Tuskegee NEXT website for myself and chose to apply because I felt this program could help fulfill the next step in my journey, by providing a pathway to obtaining my private pilot license. I consider it a privilege to take part in a program that honors the great legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. It is an honor, to walk in the footsteps of men I’ve held in such high esteem since I was a young child.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because of the opportunity that it provides me. It puts me that much closer to my dreams, but also relieves me of the financial burden that can come with obtaining a pilot license. Additionally, this program carries the name of the greatest group of military aviators and my heroes, the Tuskegee Airmen and I really wanted to be a part of the program.

I applied to become part of the second-ever class and found myself in one of the most life-changing experiences I would ever have. That summer, I fell in love with spectacular aircraft and the ability to pilot them. When I returned to school that fall, everything changed for the better. Through being involved with these organizations, aviation has taught me lessons about academic excellence, dedication, determination, and the importance of how I must pass it along.

I was originally introduced to Tuskegee NEXT via Aerostars, I was inspired by their honor to give back, to represent what is, and is to come. I took initiative to apply for Tuskegee NEXT to make our goals become a reality. I am ready to embrace a new chapter of life and ride the next waves of youth in minority aviation. In addition, I too wish to represent my community and what they stand for.

I chose to apply because I was referred by two FedEx captains, Norman Seawright and Ray Robinson. There is no other opportunity like this one. Tuskegee NEXT has given me so much confidence in this aviation workforce, industry, and in myself.

Applying to Tuskegee NEXT was never in my plans until I first heard the name a couple of months ago. Jessica Vargas, a graduate of Tuskegee allowed me to earn my license uniquely and, at the same time, help me become a wholesome individual in the journey. Tuskegee will not only be something that happens in the summer of 2022, but I feel supported in my journey in Aviation.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because there is no better way to spend my summer than to fully immerse myself in aviation and connect with like minds. Tuskegee NEXT specifically appealed to me because of its dedication to honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and making aviation more accessible to those who are underrepresented.

I chose to apply to this program to allow myself to grow and take advantage of this opportunity to obtain my private pilot certification in addition to also learning additional life skills. I also hope that it will help me become more confident in my abilities. I also thought it would be a great opportunity to be around “like-minded individuals”, who share the same goals and aspirations as myself, which will also allow me to push myself and others. This program gives us the opportunity to achieve all that we have planned for ourselves and by doing this, we can be proud of ourselves and honor the legacy of the Tuskegee airmen.

I choose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because the program gives you an opportunity to receive your Private Pilot Certification. Which is a huge first step to starting your Aviation career. Also, I receive an experience of a lifetime.

My long-term goal is to become an airline pilot and entrepreneur. After receiving my private pilot license, I plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in communications at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. While I am working on my degree, I plan to create my own business in order to cover the rest of my aviation training after college. After graduation, I will continue my flight training to get the remaining ratings and licenses as required to be a commercial pilot. I plan to continue my career at the airlines. I hope to use this opportunity to also learn the ins and outs of a commercial airlines company, so that I may own and operate the first Black airline. 

Tuskegee NEXT is the ultimate example of what aligns with my values thanks to their mission and the incredible chance to obtain a Private Pilots Certificate.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because it seemed like a great opportunity to become more involved with the aviation industry, and also to attain my Private Pilot Certificate.

I chose to apply for Tuskegee NEXT because I dared to be great. Tuskegee Next is a well-polished program that is grounded on great morals and excellence, everything this program stands for I believe is the right passage I need to become successful.

The main reason why I applied to the Tuskegee NEXT program is to honor and carry on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airman. Also, to prove to myself I can overcome an immense challenge of getting my license in reference to the challenges the Tuskegee Airmen faced.

Upon taking control of my first aircraft, I knew flying would always be a part of my life. Considering the cost of flying, I sought opportunities to ensure I always had the means to advance my flying career.