The Indianapolis Airport Authority and Republic Airways partner to create unique opportunity for local students to receive career mentoring from aviation professionals

Spots still available in week-long mentoring camp that supports STEM learning objectives and offers underserved students hands-on aviation experience and career mentoring

INDIANAPOLIS, 2014-6-13 — /Travel PR News/ — The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) has once again joined forces with Indianapolis-based Republic Airways in creating a unique opportunity for local students to receive career mentoring from aviation professionals. The Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy, a nationally recognized and FAA-endorsed mentoring and educational program, opens its fourth annual IND chapter academy program on July 7 at the Republic Airways headquarters.

The program, which will conclude on July 12, is open to middle and high school students with a desire to learn more about aviation and related technical careers. Participants will benefit from an inspiring introduction to the industry by professionals in the field. With an emphasis on hands-on experience and mentoring from active industry professionals, the program will keep students fully engaged throughout the camp. Those interested in applying can do so at www.ccastt.com/ind.

“Supporting the ACE Academy has been a great way for us to promote the many benefits aviation generates for the communities we serve,” said Mike Medvescek, senior director of operations for the IAA. “Aviation mentoring introduces young people to a number of career paths that lead to highly rewarding professions, including jobs that are in great demand locally.”

“Aviation has spurred the imagination of our young for generations,” Republic CEO Bryan Bedford said. “It is a challenging career choice, though, and requires an education and knowledge in many areas, all of which would benefit companies in a variety of industries. Our goal in co-sponsoring the ACE Academy is to prepare the next generation for the challenges they will face when they enter the working world, whether in the aviation industry or another career field, as they continue their growth and education The ACE Academy will feature interactive opportunities such as an actual flight that will allow students to take the controls and execute some basic maneuvers. Students will also visit an aircraft maintenance center and other airline operations facilities.

Classroom activities will introduce aviation concepts that can be translated into practical applications in the real world. Material is taught under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning objectives. STEM skills are highly prized by employers in many fields, both within aviation and beyond.

The IND chapter of the Academy is sponsored by the IAA and Republic and is part of a non-profit outreach dedicated to competing for the minds, imaginations, and career ambitions of underserved middle school and high school students.

About the ACE Academy
The ACE Academy is a nationally recognized program co-sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE). It is part of the Charlton Camp for Aviation, Science and Technology Training (CCASTT) Foundation, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. From its inception CCASTT has been structured to organize and deliver an educational program designed to directly impact our economy’s future workforce development. The Foundation promotes five interdependent programs to execute its mission: Flight Line Academy; Health Awareness; Internship/Fellowship; Science and Technology; and Evaluation/Assessment.

About the Indianapolis Airport Authority
The Indianapolis Airport Authority owns and operates Indiana’s largest airport system. In addition to the Indianapolis International Airport, its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport, Indianapolis Regional Airport, and Metropolitan Airport. IND has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing it as a leader within its class, including best airport in North America in 2010, 2012, and 2013 in Airports Council International’s annual Airport Service Quality awards. IND is the first airport in the U.S. to win LEED® certification for an entire terminal campus, and the airport has won additional recognition for excellent customer service, concessions programs, and art and architecture.

IND’s economic impact in Central Indiana is more than $4.5 billion annually, and about 10,000 people work at the airport each day. IND serves more than 7 million business and leisure travelers each year and averages 133 daily flights to 35 nonstop destinations. Home of the world’s second-largest FedEx Express operation and the nation’s eighth-largest cargo facility, IND is committed to becoming the airport system of choice for both passenger and cargo service. For more information, visit IND’s Facebook page at Indianapolis International Airport and Twitter page at @INDairport

IAA Contact:
Carlo Bertolini
317.487.5025 | cbertolini@ind.com

ACE Academy Contacts:
Ryan Lynch
317.710.4665 | ryan@ccastt.com

Byron Q. MacRae
910.279.3880 | bmacrae@rjet.com
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