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Prosperity Initiative
NEXT GEN AVIATION
ABOUT NEXT GEN AVIATION
Next Gen Aviation is a workforce initiative in Fresno designed to expand access to aviation careers for local students, particularly those who have historically been underrepresented in the industry. Currently, only about 3% of licensed pilots in the United States are people of color, highlighting the significant equity gap this program seeks to address.
The program provides students with hands-on training, mentorship, and a clear pathway to industry-recognized credentials. Using local airports, flight simulators, and partnerships with schools and training providers, Next Gen Aviation lowers the barriers to entry for aspiring pilots and aviation professionals.
Students gain access to flight instruction, log flight hours, and receive support in navigating the certification process. The program is aligned with broader workforce needs, as the aviation sector faces a projected shortage of pilots and technicians nationwide. By investing in homegrown talent and creating equitable pathways into high-demand, high-wage careers, Next Gen Aviation is building both individual opportunity and regional economic resilience, while helping diversify an industry that has remained largely inaccessible to communities of color.
RECENT IMPACT
Next Gen Aviation has expanded its training capacity with the purchase of a new electric glider, creating additional opportunities for students to gain hands-on flight experience in a sustainable way. The program is currently working with 18 students actively pursuing pilot certifications, advancing them through structured training pathways.
To broaden access, an after-school aviation program has been launched in partnership with Fresno Unified School District, serving as a pilot for the district’s future Fresno Unified Aviation Academy. This academy will be directly linked with Next Gen Aviation, establishing a long-term pathway that connects local students to certification, mentorship, and careers in the aviation industry.
CONTACT
To learn more or get involved, contact Joseph Oldham:
