“Tuskegee NEXT is the only aviation academy that I have attended that is designed to bring awareness to the black excellence displayed by the Tuskegee Airmen.”

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because of the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. They did not just fight in World War II. They fought for the opportunity for people like me to fly. In honoring their legacy, I will be the first pilot in my family.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because of the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. They did not just fight in World War II. They fought for the opportunity for people like me to fly. In honoring their legacy, I will be the first pilot in my family.

I applied to the Tuskegee NEXT program because I saw an incredible opportunity to take a large step forward toward my ultimate goal of becoming a commercial pilot. Also, it is a great way to help continue the Tuskegee Airmen's legacy by helping increase the number of black pilots flying in the world.

I heard about Tuskegee NEXT when I visited Illinois Aviation Academy with my family. I had once met a Tuskegee Airman and was fascinated by his story. I knew it would be a great honor to take part in the Tuskegee NEXT program and that it would help me reach my future goal of becoming a pilot.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because I wanted to further my aviation studies.

I applied to Tuskegee NEXT to achieve my first step towards the goal of becoming a commercial pilot. It is an honor for me to be a part of the legacy, tradition, and pride of the Tuskegee Airman and what they embodied.

I discovered the Tuskegee NEXT program in the summer of 2018. I thought it would be an honor to be able to carry on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. I also applied to Tuskegee NEXT because I believed that it would be a great opportunity for me to learn more about aviation as well as fly. I also believed that Tuskegee NEXT would help me achieve my long term goals.

The Tuskegee NEXT program means an opportunity: To follow my passions, grow, acquire skills and resources, and an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The Tuskegee Airmen are significant not only for what they have done for this country but also because they are proof that a person can do anything they want to if they put their mind to it. Despite the obstacles of oppression that they faced, the Tuskegee Airmen were able to thrive and push forward, becoming role models for many like me.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because of my commander at my school. He announced the program and where it originated from, and it grabbed my attention.

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.