Tuskegee Airmen Youth Aviation Summer Camp
Kicks-Off At O'Hare International Airport
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Chicago, IL June 26, 2001- The Tuskegee Airmen, in cooperation with the Department of Aviation, the Illinois Air National Guard and Lewis University, sponsored the first Youth Aviation Summer Camp for local high school students on Tuesday, June 26, and Wednesday, June 27. The camp is designed to inspire, motivate and educate youth about aviation, educational and career opportunities.
Thirty students from the Chicago and Gary Public Schools participated in the camp. The selected students, who are high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, have expressed an interest in aviation. The
two-day camp kicked-off on Tuesday, June 26, at O'Hare International Airport with a breakfast for the students followed by a tour of the airport.
As part of the breakfast, guest speakers from the Department of Aviation, the Tuskegee Airmen, Lewis University, the Illinois Air National Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration welcomed the students. Original members of the Tuskegee Airmen were also
on-hand to speak with the students. Speaker topics throughout the camp will include information about airport management, aircraft maintenance, military career aviation training, educational opportunities at major colleges and universities, and life skills seminars.
After leaving O'Hare, the students will tour the Lewis University campus, participate in Young Eagle Orientation flights given by the Lewis University Aero Club and attend campus social events. On Wednesday, June 27, the group will visit Scott Air Force Base, the headquarters of the 126th Air Fueling Wing, to meet military personnel, tour work centers and view military aircraft.
The Department of Aviation has a committed partnership with the Tuskegee Airmen to produce and promote aviation programs that inspire students to pursue careers in aviation. The Tuskegee Airmen have been an American Institution for over 50 years. The name refers to the young Black pilots who received flight training at Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama during and shortly after World War II.
