Sheltair welcomed 25 enthusiastic girls from Girls Inc. of Pinellas County for an unforgettable field trip on Friday, July 12th, at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (KPIE). This event, aimed at inspiring the next generation of aviators and community leaders, provided the girls, ranging from 5th to 10th grade, with a unique, hands-on experience in the aviation industry.
Girls Inc. of Pinellas County, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young girls through its After School Enrichment Program, Summer Camp, and Spring Break Camps, partnered with Sheltair PIE for this educational and inspiring outing. The organization’s mission is to focus on the development of the whole girl through long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming. This comprehensive approach equips girls to lead fulfilling and productive lives, break the cycle of poverty, and become role models in their community.
Amanda Serrano, Director of Curriculum at Girls Inc., emphasized the significance of such partnerships, stating, "Collaborations like the one with Sheltair are crucial in demonstrating to the girls what is possible for them. When they can see it, they can dream it, and ultimately, they can be it."
The field trip kicked off with a tour of Sheltair’s facilities at PIE, followed by a visit to the Clearwater Airport Fire Rescue Department. Here, the girls got an up-close look at the fire trucks, learned about the daily tasks of the rescue team, and witnessed a thrilling demonstration of the water cannons. The excitement continued as they walked to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department hangars, where they were introduced to high-tech infrared helicopters.
One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to the Air Ambulance hangars, where a pilot invited each girl to sit in the cockpit of a private aircraft, providing a truly memorable experience. The day concluded with a motivational session from Mariah Smith, President of Women in Aviation Tampa Bay, who engaged the girls in an Aviation Trivia game and promoted the upcoming Girls in Aviation Day event in September.
Lisa Holland, President of Sheltair, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to host Girls Inc. of Pinellas County and inspire these bright young minds. At Sheltair, we are committed to fostering the next generation of aviators and supporting the youth in our communities. This field trip is a testament to our dedication to empowering young girls and showing them the endless possibilities within the aviation industry.”
This field trip is part of Sheltair’s ongoing efforts to engage with the community and support educational initiatives that encourage young people to explore careers in aviation. By providing these unique opportunities, Sheltair hopes to inspire and nurture future leaders and innovators in the field.
