Helping students take flight

United Way of the Plains has partnered with Airbus to bring the Airbus Foundation Flying Challenge to local students. Together, we will show middle school students how studying math and science now can land them their dream job in the aviation industry.

This mentoring program matches Airbus engineers and Wichita State University aviation students with at-risk students at Brooks Middle School. Students will see how professionals apply math and science every day through tours, field trips and hands on experiences. Their mentors will encourage them in the academic pursuits.

United Way France and Airbus Corporate Foundation launched the Flying Challenge in Toulouse, France, in February 2012. On June 11, 2012, Airbus announced their partnership with United Way of the Plains through a gift of $250,000 to sponsor the program locally. It is the first Flying Challenge program in the United States.