About Us
Who We Are
Vision of Flight is a certified, non-profit (501(c)3) organization based in Orlando, Florida. We offer summer camps and youth empowerment workshops that place students in real-world situations with aviation and other professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Our founding CEO, Michael McKenzie, is a US Navy veteran and general aviation pilot with over 35 years of experience in the aviation industry. He created Vision of Flight to provide youth with the same inspiring and empowering experience that he had as a young pilot. McKenzie believes that aviation has the power to capture the imagination and inspire learning.
Our Mission:
To provide youth with the opportunity to learn from aviation and other STEM professionals to inspire a love of learning and confidence in their ability to succeed.
Our Vision:
To be the leading provider of real-world education experiences that empower youth to reach their full potential.
Our Values:
INTEGRITY: We believe in doing the right thing, even when it’s not easy. This is what we expect from our team, and it’s what we deliver to our students.
EXCELLENCE: We are committed to providing the highest quality programs and services. This is what our students deserve, and it’s what our team strives for every day.
RESPECT: We treat everyone with dignity and respect. This is how we build relationships and create a positive environment for our team and students.
INCLUSION: We believe that every young person has the potential to be a leader. Our programs are designed to help youth of all backgrounds develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed in school and life.
TEAMWORK: We are stronger together. We work as a team to support each other and achieve our goals.
The Need
A High-In-Demand
Career Field
Aviation is one of the most fascinating and inspiring industries out there. As the industry evolves, there is a constant need for new pilots, mechanics, and engineers. Unfortunately, many schools do not offer adequate STEM education to prepare students for these high-in-demand careers. The demand for STEM education is particularly acute among underprivileged groups. Women and minorities are vastly underrepresented in the aviation industry.
This is where Vision of Flight comes in. We offer summer camps and youth empowerment workshops that transform the way youth think about their future by connecting them with real-world professionals in aviation and other STEM fields. We want to show youth that they can succeed in any field, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Our hands-on approach to learning gives students the opportunity to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world situations. As a result, they gain confidence in their ability to succeed and develop a love of learning. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn about and pursue aviation and other STEM careers, regardless of their background.
The Solution
Our Experiential Learning Model
We all know that the best way to learn something is by doing it. This simple truth is at the heart of our summer camps and workshops. We believe that the best way for youth to learn about aviation and other STEM careers is by working side-by-side with professionals in these fields. Our hands-on, real-world approach to learning gives students the opportunity to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to actual situations.
This not only helps them to better understand the material, but it also gives them a taste of what it would be like to work in these fields. In a nutshell, our experiential learning model offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- INCREASE AWARENESS:
Our professional mentors introduce youth to the many different aspects of aviation and STEM careers, showing them that there are endless possibilities in these fields. We take our students on field trips to air traffic control towers, maintenance facilities, and other behind-the-scenes locations at the airport to show them all that goes into keeping an airport running smoothly.
- BUILD CONFIDENCE:
Our camps and workshops provide a safe and supportive environment for youth to build confidence in their abilities. Students are able to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences without feeling like they’re being judged.
- DEVELOP SKILLS:
Our hands-on approach to learning gives youth the opportunity to develop important skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. These are skills that they will use throughout their lives, regardless of what career they eventually choose.
- FOSTER INTEREST:
Our camps and workshops are designed to foster interest in aviation and STEM careers. We offer a variety of different activities and experiences that allow students to find what they’re passionate about. Fostering this interest at an early age will help ensure that your child is excited and engaged in their learning.
- GROW AS A PERSON:
Our camps and workshops provide youth with the opportunity to grow as individuals. They learn about themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, and what it takes to be successful. This self-awareness is an essential part of any STEM career.
The Impact
The Impact of Our Programs
Since our inception in 2011, we have served over 5,000 students through our summer camps and workshops. That is more than what most organizations in our field can say. Our programs have had a profound impact on the lives of the youth we serve. Here are some of the ways our programs have made a difference:
- IMPROVED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE:
Our programs have helped students improve their grades and test scores. In fact, our programs are so effective that we have seen a 100% success rate in terms of students who have completed our programs and gone on to college.
- INCREASED INTEREST IN STEM CAREERS:
Our programs have helped increase interest in STEM careers among youth, particularly young women. We have introduced participants to STEM careers and many have, because of our program, decided on their career pathway.
- IMPROVED SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE:
Our programs have helped participants build self-esteem and confidence, which has helped them in their personal and professional lives. It is not uncommon for our participants to come back and tell us that our programs have changed their lives.
- IMPROVED SOCIAL SKILLS:
Our programs have helped participants develop social skills, such as teamwork and communication. With us, participants are not only learning academic skills but also life skills that will help them in their future endeavors.
- A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF AVIATION:
Our programs have given participants a deeper understanding of aviation and its role in the world. As a result, participants have been able to pursue careers in aviation and other STEM fields. The sky is truly the limit for our participants.
Get Involved
If you share our vision, we invite you to join us in inspiring learning in youth!
Learn about how you can work with us here: