What activities did you engage in over your summer break? Josie Spencer, a 10th-grade student at LHS, took advantage of a unique learning opportunity by exploring a career in aviation, during which she had the opportunity to fly an airplane.
Josie applied to the Pathways to Flight program at Averett College, which is offered at no cost through the Virginia Space Consortium Grant. Notably, students do not need prior flight experience to apply for this program. She learned about this opportunity through The Community Resource Fair held at Lancaster High School at a Homecoming Football game in Fall 2023 that highlighted various educational and career exploration resources. This informational event is a partnership between Virginia Career Works and Lancaster County Public Schools.
During her time at Averett College this summer, Josie resided on campus and had the chance to meet other students from different regions of Virginia. Although she initially felt nervous due to some participants having prior flight experience, she quickly realized that her lack of experience did not impede her participation or success.
The program included classroom instruction, simulations, and hands-on flying experience. Josie learned about aerodynamics, different types of aircraft, and the angles of approach for flying and landing. By the conclusion of the program, she successfully took off, flew, and landed an airplane independently. Additionally, students had the opportunity to fly solo if they passed various tests and assessments demonstrating their ability to operate an aircraft without instructor supervision, contingent upon suitable weather conditions.
Josie also enjoyed building relationships with her instructors, resident advisors, and fellow participants during their downtime, exploring the campus and the town of Danville together. She remarked that the experience not only enhanced her aviation knowledge but also fostered her confidence in taking on new challenges and pushing her boundaries. The friendships she formed with other students across Virginia who share similar interests are ones she intends to maintain beyond the conclusion of the program.
She also shared this experience has broadened her perspective on herself and her career possibilities, heightening her enthusiasm for her upcoming courses this fall, including the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFJROTC) at Lancaster High School.
Josie encourages other students to take advantage of new opportunities, stating, “Don’t let a lack of experience or fear be a barrier to trying new things.” She expressed her enthusiasm for the program, advocating for others interested in aviation to participate.
For students interested in applying to the Pathways to Flight program, please follow this link:
https://vsgc.odu.edu/pathwaysflightacademies/ which includes requirements and contacts for program participation. Applications open in January for the summer session. For more information, you may also contact Mrs. Mary Catherine Jones, Director of Career & Technical Education and Workforce Readiness, at 804-462-5100, extension 5010.