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Opening The Skies For The Next Generation An initiative led by Commissioner LaDena Bolton to create DeKalb County’s first structured youth aviation career pipeline. Explore the Program Aviation Day RSVP Introducing Youth To Real Aviation Pathways Hands-on simulator training, cockpit exposure, and FAA-aligned instruction designed to build early career awareness. Aviation Day RSVP From Exploration To Pilot Certification Structured progression from outreach and ground school to full Private Pilot License scholarships. Sign Up for More Information

Opening The Skies For The Next Generation An initiative led by Commissioner LaDena Bolton to create DeKalb County’s first structured youth aviation career pipeline. Explore the Program Aviation Day RSVP Introducing Youth To Real Aviation Pathways Hands-on simulator training, cockpit exposure, and FAA-aligned instruction designed to build early career awareness. Aviation Day RSVP From Exploration To Pilot Certification Structured progression from outreach and ground school to full Private Pilot License Sponsorships. Sign Up for More Information

Engage 4,000+ Students

Community Outreach & School Engagement Across District 7

graduated (1)

25 Students

Exploratory Flight Experience

Hands-on simulator and cockpit introduction.

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15 Students

FAA Ground School

FAA-approved aviation coursework pathway.

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5

Private Pilot License (PPL)

Full sponsorship toward pilot
certificate.

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PROGRAM

Building a Direct Pipeline Into Aviation Careers

The Super District 7 Youth Aviation Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative in DeKalb County designed to introduce and prepare underserved youth for aviation and aerospace career pathways.

The program aligns with FY26/FY27 cycles and the DeKalb County School District calendar, operating from July 29, 2026 through August 31, 2027.

8-PHASE PIPELINE

Structured 8-Phase Aviation Pipeline

  • Outreach & Awareness
  • Aviation Career Exposure
  • Simulator Training
  • Exploratory Flight
  • Mentorship & Coaching
  • FAA Ground School Enrollment
  • Flight Training
  • Private Pilot License Achievement

COMMISSIONER MESSAGE

A Message from Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton

The Super District 7 Youth Aviation Program represents our commitment to creating opportunity, access, and generational change.

This initiative ensures that students who may not otherwise have exposure to aviation careers can see themselves in the cockpit, in aerospace engineering labs, and in leadership roles across the aviation industry. Better Together.

AVIATION DAY EVENTS

Aviation Day at PDK – Two Major Launch Events

Bringing together students, elected officials, aviation professionals, and media.

Join aVIATION Now

WHO SHOULD APPLY

Target Audience

District 7 Juniors & Seniors

Recreation Centers

Students interested in STEM

Future pilots & aerospace professionals

Testimonials

Darryl Wilson

Stellar Foresight
President 
Advancing Careers in Aviation and Aerospace

Dear Commissioner,

 
As Navy pilot Victor Glover travels to the Moon in Artemis II, he shines a light on the guarantee that if you shoot for the moon, in life, you will always find yourself among the stars.
 
As a Navy flight instructor and an instructor in airlines and private jets, I seen and trained the best of the best from those who slip the surly bonds.
 
Your passion and foresight and dedication to see this effort come true in an offer to level up your community is noteworthy, forward thinking and courageous.
 
The universe is the last frontier and the small step to normalize Air and Space travel so your grand kids may use it; is setting the stage for greater participation in monumental progress aroun the world,  and generational wealth here at home.
 
God Bless you, DeKalb County,, and America. Georgia 
As a Navy flight instructor and an instructor in airlines and private jets, I seen and trained the best of the best from those who slip the surly bonds.
 
Your passion and foresight and dedication to see this effort come true in an offer to level up your community is noteworthy, forward thinking and courageous.
 
The universe is the last frontier and the small step to normalize Air and Space travel so your grand kids may use it; is setting the stage for greater participation in monumental progress aroun the world,  and generational wealth here at home.
 
God Bless you, Delalb County,, and America. Georgia 

Aprille Moore

2025-2026 President
Junior League of DeKalb County

The Junior League of DeKalb County
is proud to partner with District 7 Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton in support of its Aviation Program, an initiative that is truly preparing the next generation for limitless possibilities.

This program is more than an introduction to aviation; it is a powerful investment in our youth. It exposes students to high-demand career pathways, builds confidence, and broadens their vision of what is possible for their futures. Through hands-on learning and meaningful mentorship, participants gain not only technical knowledge but also critical life skills such as discipline, leadership, and problem-solving.

At the Junior League of DeKalb County, our mission is rooted in developing the potential of women and improving our community. The Aviation Program aligns seamlessly with that mission by creating equitable opportunities for young people to explore careers they may not have otherwise considered.

We are honored to stand alongside Super District 7 in this impactful work and look forward to continuing to support and expand initiatives that uplift, inspire, and empower our community.

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Troy Vincent

Chairman of the 100 Black Men of Dekalb County Inc

With Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton, we are building a runway where vision meets opportunity, and our students are preparing to lead.”opportunity, and our students are preparing to lead. This aviation program represents a powerful investment in our youth, exposing them to career pathways that were once out of reach and equipping them with the confidence, discipline, and vision to succeed in high-demand industries. Through strategic partnerships and hands-on learning experiences, we are not only introducing aviation—we are cultivating future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will carry DeKalb County forward.

Dr Norman C. Sauce III

“At DeKalb County School District, we are committed to ensuring that every student has access to meaningful learning experiences that prepare them for success beyond graduation. Our vision for Aviation pathways is to provide students with opportunities to explore high-demand careers, engage in hands-on learning, and earn industry-recognized credentials that lead directly to college, careers, and workforce opportunities. By expanding access to aviation education, we are creating pathways to economic mobility while developing the next generation of pilots, technicians, engineers, and aviation professionals who will help shape the future of this growing industry. Through strong partnerships and innovative programming, we are ensuring that DeKalb students are prepared to soar and make a difference.”

SPONSOR

Community & Aviation Partners

Join aVIATION Now

Program Leadership

Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton

Super District 7 Commissioner

Lavezza Zanders Johnson

Chief of Staff

Nardos Areru

Executive Assistant

Program Contractors

Lanier Flight Center

Stellar Foresight

Our Shades of Blue

The Simple VUE, LLC

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