Our Mission
The Urban Aviators Society opens the skies of possibility for youth from underrepresented and underserved communities in Central Ohio by expanding access to aviation and STEAM education. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to real-world aviation technology and careers, we develop young people to see themselves as pilots, engineers, innovators, and leaders. By removing barriers and igniting confidence, curiosity, and skill, we are building a diverse generation prepared to soar. Turning dreams of flight into lasting opportunities for success in life.
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Our Vision​
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We envision a world where every child, regardless of background, zip code, or financial circumstance, can access the limitless possibilities of aviation and STEAM. A world where representation in aviation reflects the communities we serve. A world where young people confidently pursue careers in flight, engineering, drone technology, and innovation.
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We’re building that world one student at a time.
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Our Story
Urban Aviators Society was founded to address a powerful truth: youth from underserved communities rarely receive access to aviation or STEM experiences, yet these fields shape the future of transportation, technology, and the global workforce.
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Aviation had the power to change our founder's life, and he saw firsthand how exposure, mentorship, and opportunity can set a young person on a new path. Urban Aviators Society was created to deliver those same opportunities to youth across Central Ohio.
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What started with a vision has grown into:
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A full pipeline of aviation and STEM programs
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Real flight training and discovery flights
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Drone workforce development
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Scholarships
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Hands-on STEM workshops
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Partnerships with aviation organizations, flight schools, and community groups
Today, we proudly serve youth who will become the future pilots, engineers, drone operators, and innovators our world needs.
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What Makes Us Different
Urban Aviators Society stands out for its unique approach to youth development:
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1. Real Aviation Experiences
Discovery flights, airport tours, flight training hours, drones, and STEM activities, not just classroom theory.
2. A Full Aviation & STEM Pipeline
Students can grow from curiosity to career readiness through Aviation Futures, Wings of Tomorrow, Droneworks, and AeroSTEAM.
3. Representation & Access
We intentionally serve youth from underrepresented and underserved communities to close opportunity gaps.
4. Workforce Pathways
Programs connect students to real credentials, including FAA Part 107 certification and pilot flight hours.
5. Deep Partnerships
We collaborate with aviation companies, flight schools, community organizations, educators, and industry leaders.
6. High-Impact, Hands-On Learning
Every program is immersive, engaging, and rooted in real-world aviation practices.
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Why We Do What We Do
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The aviation industry faces a challenge, and communities with untapped potential often lack the resources to explore the limitless opportunities this field offers. Through initiatives like Aviation Futures, which give youth the thrill of flight, and AeroSTEAM, which connects classroom concepts to real-world innovation, we’ve been able to unlock potential and help our youth chart exciting paths forward.
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We have seen firsthand how exposure, education, and mentorship can change lives.
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Our Values
Representation. Innovation. Safety. Community. Opportunity. Excellence.
These principles guide every flight, every classroom, and every partnership. We are committed to respect, opportunity, and excellence, ensuring that each student feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
Based in Central Ohio
We proudly serve the youth of Columbus and surrounding communities, offering programs at airports, schools, and community centers throughout the region, with national partnerships expanding our impact.
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Get Involved
Whether you’re a parent, volunteer, educator, or donor, you have a place in our flight path.
You can:
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Sponsor a Flight for a student
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Mentor a Future Aviator
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Donate or Partner to expand our reach