“We envision our students graduating with work experience that prepares them to get paid internships, prior learning credits, and to launch careers at JFK Airport.”

As representatives of Southeast Queens, we witness firsthand the tremendous potential of our young people. Yet, far too often, opportunity remains out of reach, particularly in exciting, high-growth industries like aviation. JFK Airport, a cornerstone of our borough, is poised for significant expansion, creating a wealth of well-paying careers. But how do we ensure Southeast Queens students have the tools and guidance to take flight in this dynamic field?

The answer lies in a visionary project that we are happy to champion. We propose the creation of a Queens STEAM Center at JFK Airport, modeled after the successful Brooklyn Navy Yard STEAM Center. This Center wouldn’t be just another educational facility; it would be a launchpad for the futures of countless Southeast Queens students.

Envision a program where high school students from different schools across our community immersed themselves in the aviation and technology industries for a year. Unlike in traditional classrooms, students would learn in a school modeled after real-world work environments. We envision the Center forging partnerships with industry associations, providing graduates with valuable career roadmaps, and ensuring they’re well-positioned to land their dream jobs.

Using state-of-the-art equipment, they’d explore the diverse roles within the industry, from air traffic control to aircraft maintenance to cyber security. Fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) in young minds who might not have considered these careers before. 

But the benefits go beyond sparking interest. The aviation industry currently faces a significant lack of diversity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 9.2 percent of aircraft pilots and flight engineers in 2022 were women. The racial and ethnic demographics are just as concerning, with 95.7 percent identified as white, only 2.6 percent Black, 1.6 percent Asian, and 9.7% Hispanic or Latino. These numbers are unacceptable.

The Queens STEAM Center aims to be a catalyst for change. We are committed to exposing local youth, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to STEAM concepts related to aviation, aeronautics, airport management and more. We intend to break down barriers and motivate a new generation of diverse aviation professionals by exposing them to leadership and career opportunities in the aviation industry. This approach, in turn, will foster a more innovative and dynamic aviation sector, benefiting not just the students but the broader Southeast Queens community.

Additionally, the Queens STEAM Center would strive to equip students with the skills, resources, and networks needed to thrive in the industry. These consist of professional development, industry expertise courses, and access to flight simulators. Each partnership would provide graduates with invaluable career roadmaps, highlighting current job openings and ensuring they’re well-positioned to land their dream jobs after graduation. The Center can serve as a hub for innovation, fostering collaboration between students and industry professionals. 

Following the Brooklyn STEAM Center’s model, time at the Queens STEAM Center would seamlessly integrate into a student’s existing education. High school 11th and 12th graders would each spend a half day at the school, coupling their traditional academic work with a career-focused curriculum.

Each pathway at the Queens STEAM Center would be industry-informed and, like the Brooklyn STEAM Center, approved as a certified CTE program by the New York State Department of Education. Southeast Queens students will engage in hands-on learning from industry leaders across JFK, collaborate with aviation professionals, and practice their skills in real-world work environments.

“Expanding STEAM education is crucial for preparing our students for the future. The creation of the JFK STEAM Center will provide invaluable opportunities for high school students across Southeast Queens, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in partnership with the employers of JFK Airport. This initiative represents a significant step forward in equipping our youth with the skills necessary for success in the modern workforce,” said Henry D. Rubio, president of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrator (CSA).

Partnerships with leading companies at JFK will inform curriculum development and open doors for future opportunities. We envision our students graduating with work experience that prepares them to get paid internships, prior learning credits, and to launch careers at JFK Airport! The JFK STEAM Center wouldn’t just launch careers, it would build a supportive community around our students, fostering connections with industry professionals and peers.

Our window of opportunity is now as JFK sees record investment from the private sector, and seeks to expand public transit access into the airport for Southeast Queens commuters. We have the opportunity to use the spotlight this $19 billion renovation has provided to pull in countless stakeholders to anchor their commitment to this community. A capital investment and a structured long-term partnership with such a school to pipeline students into careers in their industries is truly possible as these stakeholders establish themselves as our neighbors. A moment that will pass as the last terminal is opened in the coming years.

This investment in our youth is an investment in the future of Southeast Queens and the aviation industry itself. The Queens STEAM Center is more than just a program; it’s a chance to empower our students and ensure Southeast Queens soars alongside JFK Airport. Let’s make this vision a reality. Together, we can make the Queens STEAM Center take flight.

Councilmember Dr. Nantasha Williams previously worked as external affairs manager for the JFK Redevelopment Program before joining the NYC Council. Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman is co-chair of the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council’s Education Committee, and Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson represents the JFK Airport and surrounding area in Albany.