Iredell Crosby Scholars Launches Middle School Career Treks with Aviation Experience

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The Statesville Regional Airport Hosted this Career Exploration Event with Support from Community Partners, Foundation for the Carolinas

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Crosby Scholars middle schoolers, standing just inside a hangar at the Statesville Regional Airport, turned their eyes to the skies as the whirring of helicopter blades heralded the arrival of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Aviation Unit helicopter. The crew expertly guided the helicopter onto the tarmac, stepped out and spoke to students about aviation careers.

This memorable moment was just one highlight of the first-ever Iredell Crosby Scholars Middle School Career Trek, held June 23.  The summer program, offered free of charge with support from Foundation for the Carolinas (FFTC), gives rising 7th, 8th and 9th grade students the chance to explore potential careers, close to home, in a real-world environment. FFTC funding provided transportation to the airport, lunch for students, and learning materials.

Superintendent of the Mooresville Graded School District, Dr. Jason Gardner, recently cited the need for Iredell County middle school students to gain an early awareness of diverse career paths.  This helps students connect their interests and education to future opportunities and career goals, before high school. 

Iredell Crosby Scholars’ Middle School Career Treks are meant to jumpstart that process. Middle School Coordinator Zoe Harding says, “By starting the exploration process in middle school, students are empowered to make more informed decisions in high school about which classes to take, clubs and activities to join, and work-based learning experiences they may want to pursue.”

The aviation-themed Career Trek provided students with an inside look at the industry and direct access to professionals working in the field. The event was made possible through collaboration with several regional partners:

  • The Statesville Regional Airport hosted the event and provided a hangar and indoor space in the new terminal building, thanks to Airport Manager John Ferguson. Students toured the airport facilities and were informed of current & future opportunities, like the Civil Air Patrol program and opportunities for flight training.
  • West Star Aviation provided a tour of their Statesville facility–located at the airport—and shared information about careers in the mechanical and maintenance sectors of aviation. Employees also gave students the opportunity to board a private jet, exploring the passenger cabin and the cockpit.
  • The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department arrived at the event in their police helicopter, providing a visual treat for students, and shared information about aviation careers connected to law enforcement.     
  • The FROST (Fast Response Operations Safety Team) discussed the air show search and rescue operations they conduct nationwide. FROST also provided a drone demonstration, discussed the many uses for drones, and provided information on how students can become certified operators.
  • Carolina Aviators Network (CAN) led discussions about a variety of aviation careers and promoted their youth outreach programs. CAN also coordinated appearances by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and FROST.

Lori Evans, Director of Partnerships with CAN, said the Iredell Crosby Scholars’ Aviation Career Trek aligned perfectly with their mission to promote aviation careers to students. “Aviation offers incredible opportunities, from piloting and air traffic control to maintenance, engineering, emergency services, and beyond,” she said. “But many young people are never exposed to these career paths.” Evans said these events give students a chance to explore real-world possibilities and connect with professionals to help guide their journey.

The program sparked strong interest among participants. Several students expressed aspirations to become licensed pilots. One Crosby Scholar, Oliver, said the experience “encouraged me to learn more about the mechanical and aerospace engineering of airplanes.” Another student, Cole, shared his interest in becoming a military pilot. Many students also noted the competitive salaries and benefits associated with aviation careers.

Our next Iredell Crosby Scholars Middle School Career Trek is scheduled for July 13th, focusing on careers in the arts. This event is a collaboration with local art galleries including Mooresville Arts at the Historic Train Depot, where the activities will take place.

The program is open to rising 7th, 8th and 9th graders who are registered members of Crosby Scholars. Those wishing to join Crosby Scholars and attend the July 13th event should fill out this interest form and contact Zoe Harding at [email protected].