The FlyWithUs Program Is Connecting Students With Their Passion for Flight

05 January 2021 - Kasey Mintz

The Davidson Initiative first announced its intent to offer free discovery flights to aspiring pilots in September 2020. After a few months of coordinated effort, that vision became reality. On December 10, 2020, the Davidson Initiative, in collaboration with Icaro Learn2fly, hosted the first FlyWithUs event at North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, Florida. 

Santiago Saltos (left), a representative of Icaro Learn2fly, with Julien Pinon (right), a representative of the Davidson Initiative.

“The mission of our organization is to promote aviation and STEM by providing the necessary instruments for students to achieve their goal in aviation. The FlyWithUs event is an emblem of our vision to help students to connect with their passion for flight.” Said Davidson Nzekwe-Daniel the Chief Executive Officer of the Davidson Initiative.

The Initiative awarded a discovery flight scholarship to five well-deserving individuals. They were Diego Cabera, Patrick Borges, Kaila Sukennikoff, Alejandro Leon, and Alberto Herran. 

Some FlyWIthUs winners and the Certified Flight Instructors.

Before the discovery flights, there was a general feeling of excitement combined with a little nervousness. “I am so excited; I can’t wait to see what it looks like up there. Events like this are an opportunity for people to realize what they might be able to achieve if they put their mind to it.” Said Patrick Borges one of the FlyWithUs winners.

It's one thing to have a dream, it's another thing for that dream to become reality,” Nzekwe-Daniel said. “As we witnessed dreams take flight into the sunny skies of the South Florida area, we are surely making an indelible mark in the lives of the students,” said Jairo Vargas the Chief of Staff of CPT of the Davidson Initiative.

Patrick Borges (right), a FlyWithUs winner participating in an aerial maneuver.

“The discovery flight is only the first step in the process of guiding these aspiring professionals. We will go ahead and put them in touch with mentors, help them successfully apply for flight scholarships, and give guidance on flight school enrollment.” Said Vargas.

Kaila Sukennikoff (left), a FlyWithUs winner, expressing thanks to the Davidson Initiative for taking her first flight.

“If you have a dream don’t wait around because you can never be a hundred percent ready. Start acting by looking for the right opportunity like the FlyWithUs program offered by the Davidson Initiative.” Said Alberto Herran as advice to aspiring aviators out there.

The leadership of the Davidson Initiative plans to hold this event twice every academic year; during the spring and fall semesters. The Initiative is honored to be a bridge between students’ dreams and reality and welcomes passionate individuals to apply for this uncommon opportunity in the next FlyWithUs application cycle.

ABOUT DAVIDSON INITIATIVE

The Davidson Initiative is a nonprofit organization charged with the mission of providing support for students and aspiring professionals in the aviation industry and equipping them with the necessary instruments required to achieve academic success and to smoothly transition into the workforce. The organization is also working to build the future of aviation by inspiring the younger generation to pursue careers in aviation. For more information, visit www.davidsoninitiative.org