In spring of 2024, our partner Beth White and her organization Habitat for Aviation were highlighted in PBS NewsHour’s Brief But Spectacular. Habitat for Aviation’s mission is to support the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians and avionics specialists. Now one year later, they’ve made impressive progress on their latest project: Women Build Planes. The initiative brings together a group of girls and young women in Vermont to engage in mentorship opportunities and hands-on work while building a plane.

“Being the youngest person to be building an airplane in this group doesn’t really feel any different. I’m treated like I can do things, I can accomplish things,” says Samantha, age 9.

“I think this has opened a lot of doors,” says Axley, age 10. “I know one of the open ones in my mind is to become an airplane mechanic. I could also be a teacher for airplane mechanics.”

Hear more about the skills being taught and the lessons learned from star students Samantha and Axley in their latest video update: The Power of Young Hands in Aviation.