"JetBlue Foundation is Still the First and Only Airline Nonprofit Dedicated Solely to Championing Diversity"

The JetBlue Foundation announced its 10-year anniversary, saying "JetBlue Foundation is Still the First and Only Airline Nonprofit Dedicated Solely to Championing Diversity in STEM and Aviation Education".

Since its inception, the Foundation has "continued the airline’s efforts to place aviation top-of-mind as a career choice for students by igniting youth interest throughout JetBlue’s network to explore careers in aviation." Its mission focuses on drawing in proportionally underrepresented demographics among the airline and aviation industries while they're young, providing support and engagement with STEM resources early.

The Foundation has provided more than $2.9 million in grants and in-kind support to STEM/Aviation focused programs from 16 states and territories. Through their support, more than 40,000 kids have been impacted by their donations.

“Since JetBlue’s beginnings, we’ve always set our sights on inspiring humanity beyond air travel, not only for our customers and crewmembers, but for the various communities we serve. Through the JetBlue Foundation, we have been able to foster inspiration while putting aviation on the map as a career choice for students of all ages and backgrounds,” said Ursula Hurley, president of the JetBlue Foundation. “It is important for youth to see themselves represented in future career choices, and we are proud to celebrate 10 years of the industry-leading work the JetBlue Foundation has done in making aviation a more visible possibility for aspiring aviators throughout our network.”

“JetBlue and the JetBlue Foundation are crucial supporters of our Federal Aviation Administration aviation maintenance technician public high school. Through many grant opportunities over the past ten years the JetBlue Foundation has enabled our school to provide our diverse student body with enhanced real-world experiences through the acquisition of modern technology and important equipment that have enabled our students to earn their FAA airframe and powerplant licenses and gain entry into the aviation maintenance workforce,” said Steven Jackson, Principal of Aviation High School. “We are very proud to have this wonderful partnership as the support of the JetBlue Foundation has made it possible for our students to master the skills that are required to begin their careers in the aviation maintenance industry!”

FMI: www.jetbluefoundation.org