Boeing Supports Compton Youth’s Dream to Break World Records

Long Beach, CA. September 25th, 2004. Boeing supports Compton youth’s dream to break world records.

Jimmy Haywood and Kenny Roy, ages 11 and 14, had a dream to become world record holders. Last Saturday, their dream came true. Boeing helped them achieve their dream and has been working with Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum (TAM) to help inspire young people to stay in school and pursue aerospace careers.

Jimmy and Kenny flew to Canada to each earn a world record; Jimmy became the Youngest Black American Male to Pilot A Plane Internationally and Kenny, the Youngest Black American Male Licensed to Fly Solo. A celebration was held where they met Lee Archer, the Tuskegee Airman famous for his heroic WWII exploits. Ned Newman, chief engineer for the Boeing C-17, presented the two aspiring pilots their first flight jackets, emblazoned with the Boeing logo. He encouraged them to continue dreaming, and that they, as young people with dreams and the initiative to make them come true, are the future of our aviation industry.

Boeing employees have been working with the youth of the Compton area since earlier this year in a new program designed to help mentor young people that show an interest in following a non-flying career in aerospace. “The difference with this program” comments the Boeing project leader Andy Harber, “is that we have a deep partnership that has strong diversity.” Compton Unified School District provides on-site instruction in Avionics and CAD/CAM through the Regional Occupational Program (ROP), TAM provides access to aircraft and a valuable connection to the airport leadership. Beyond the airport is Orange Coast College who is providing a connection to higher learning.

In addition to the partners above, The Tuskegee Airmen Foundation has partnered with this project to provide inspiration and scholarships to deserving young people. Many of the Tuskegee Airmen were engineers before they were pilots and then went on after their military service to continue careers in aerospace. The Boeing Company has committed to helping inspire young people who might enjoy careers in aerospace engineering. There is a possibility of intern-ships where the students could work at The Boeing Company.

In Saturday’s ceremony, Councilwoman Lillie Dobson congratulated the two young men for their accomplishment along with the City’s Mayor, Los Angeles City Supervisor, Yvonne Burke, and numerous dignitaries.