Vision of Flight Hosts Gala Fundraiser, Inspires Youth To Pursue Aviation Careers

Pilot and Honorary RedTail, Mike McKenzie hosts Central Florida’s youth this weekend at a Gala event designed to promote STEM education, with a particular focus on the aviation and aerospace industry.

The need for young people with strong aptitude in STEM subjects is particularly acute within the aviation and aerospace industry. Conservatively, it is estimated that by 2020, there will be a shortage of close to 500,000 aviation professionals in the United States.  That deficit is expected to rise to 1 million by 2036.

To address this need, Mike McKenzie created Vision of Flight, a program consisting of simulated air flight and actual cockpit training for Middle and High School students.  To date, Vision of Flight has inspired close to 10,000 young people across the country through Fly Days and its participation in Share Fair, a nationwide STEM Tour, funded by the Morgridge Family Foundation.

Vision of Flight hosts its 2nd Annual Fundraiser Gala on November 1, 2014, at the Rosen Center Hotel, 9840 International Drive in Orlando, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Several surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen will be present. There will be paired mentoring and simulators on site for hands on instruction and play for youth who attend Saturday’s event. Proceeds from the Fundraiser will be used to advance the mission of providing youth access to careers in Aviation and Aerospace.  Sponsorships for the Gala and programs throughout the year are still being sought.

For more information visit: www.visionofflight.org.

Media contacts: Mike McKenzie at #321-229-7794 or Adrienne Noel at #407-790-6495.