ANNUAL REPORT
2020 2021
FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Six years ago, a few of us came together to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen while helping under-resourced youth prepare for aviation careers. Today, we have 55 cadets, 53 solo pilots, and 47 licensed pilots. Tuskegee NEXT would not be possible without our generous supporters. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps, a precursor to the U.S. Air Force. This was an experiment that was expected to fail. However, these distinguished aviators flew more than 15,000 individual sorties in Europe and North Africa during World War II. Their impressive performance earned them more than 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses. Even with these and many other achievements, they returned from the war without a hero's welcome and were unable to secure jobs in the aviation field. Although the pandemic has presented challenges in some areas of aviation, the need for pilots still exists. Cargo, Charter, and other sectors of the aviation industry are booming. This pandemic will end and commercial travel will surge and our cadets will be prepared! With the mandatory retirement age of 65 in the airline industry, we have an opportunity to empower talented, driven students who would not otherwise have access to the resources needed to become pilots. Your investment supports young aviators like Andre Sanders, who recently joined the U.S. Air Force as a Drone Pilot, and Marcellus Freeman, who graduated in our very first class and returned this past summer as an instructor. We’re also proud of Faith Little, who graduated from Virginia State University with a degree in Computer Engineering and will begin the American Airlines Flight Program this year. Andre, Marcellus, and Faith are but three of our many cadets who are soaring thanks to your continued support.
2 Letter from the Chairman and Executive Director 3 Our Mission 2020 & 2021 Financials 4 Program Overview 5 2021 Summer Aviation Program 6 Ambassador Committee Alumni Spotlight 7-8 2020 & 2021 in Review 9 Our Partners 10 Board of Directors
These success stories honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen are possible because of your generous support. With your help, we look forward to celebrating and sharing many more stories.
Stephen L. Davis Founder and Chairman Tuskegee NEXT Foundation
Dominique A. Scott Executive Director Tuskegee NEXT Foundation 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
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OUR MISSION
THE CHALLENGE Since 2000, poverty rates have grown significantly. This economic hardship and uncertainty, further exacerbated by COVID-19, has particularly impacted minority communities.
AN OPPORTUNITY Tuskegee NEXT enables young adults to pursue aviation careers by teaching them how to fly. In addition to flight training, we provide life skills, mentorship, and educational activities. Learn more in the Year in Review section.
INTERVENTION The success of just one person can affect change. When the cycle of economic hardship is broken once, the results multiply as that one "success story" gives back to their community. Tuskegee NEXT offered the 2020 Cadets a chance to continue their program in 2021, so they can fulfill their entire training and experience.
FELLOWSHIP Beyond the Tuskegee NEXT Summer program, our support continues as our alumni pursue their aviation careers. Our Fellowship Program includes life skills training, mentorship, and resources to support cadets at various stages of their aviation careers. In addition, our program alumni continue to give back by mentoring the next class of cadets.
2020 FINANCIALS
TUSKEGEE NEXT FLY CLUB The future is calling – join Tuskegee NEXT in answering the call by joining our Fly Club! Your contribution at any level will make a difference in the lives of the next generation of aviation stars. Select your box, make your donation, and watch investment soar.
100k
$5k
$5k
$5k $5k $5k
$5k $5k $5k $5k $5kT.C $5k$5k $5k$5k$5k
J.J $5k P.B $5k $5k $5k $5k $5k P.L
100k
2021 FINANCIALS 100k
$750,000 Individual 45.4%
100k
$500,000
Donations by Donor Type
$0
Luke Slawek FONA
100k
Gross Profit
$10k
Domanada Foundation
$25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000
Donnie Wahlberg
$50,000
$250,000
Foundation 12.6%
$10k $10k $10k
$10k
Dean $10k $10k $10k $10k $10k Smith
$1,000,000
Corporation 42%
$10k
Jenny McCarthy $50,000
William and Mary Davis Foundation
$100,000
Total Expenses
Gross Profit: $868,059 Total Expenses: $596,813
2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
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DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AVIATION LEADERS We recruit cadets aged 18-20 years old who have demonstrated a strong work ethic, interest in aviation, and desire to grow personally and professionally. Cadets participate in a summer residential program where they complete training to earn their private pilot and drone licenses. This life-changing opportunity is offered at no charge and includes:
FLIGHT TRAINING
LIFE SKILLS PROGRAMING
CAREER PATH ASSISTANCE
Cadets are introduced to the aviation industry and receive flight training to earn their private pilot and drone licenses.
Cadets are mentored by successful professionals, introduced to career opportunities and learn about the impact their success can have on others.
Cadets are equipped with tools to support their success as they take their next steps and prepare for lift off.
2021 STATS 100% Graduation Rate 9 Solo Pilots 9 Earned Private Pilot’s Certificate 9 Drone Pilots 9 Attending College
OVERALL STATS est. 2015
55 Cadets 53 Solo Pilots 47 Licensed Pilots 26 Drone Pilots (est. 2019)
2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
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2021 TUSKEGEE NEXT CADETS
Jaylen Bush Lewis University
Carollyn C. Knowles-Bailey Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University
Neftaly Mora
Donivhan Patterson
Lewis University
Texas Southern University
Isaias Toledo
Sarai Stewart
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Florida Memorial University
Myla Lee Eastern Kentucky University
Madison Saunders Texas A&M University
Jalynn Westmoreland Lewis University
2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
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THE AMBASSADOR COMMITEE “Service Above Self”
Nia Allen
Formed in 2020, this group of Tuskegee Next alumni was formed to support Tuskegee NEXT in bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. Its mission is to support the growth of the Tuskegee NEXT program, including honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. In 2021, the committee planned Intro to Aviation webinars, assisted in the launch of the Tuskegee NEXT We Can Fly Challenge, led cadet recruiting efforts, and helped plan ongoing community outreach projects.
Jaylen Bush
Fairlyn Hurt
Jibri Taylor
Marcellus Freeman
Faith Little
Jessica Vargas
Terrell Helm
Madison Saunders
Paityn White
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT JAYLEN BUSH '21 Lewis University Major: Aviation Unmanned Aircraft Systems
This year we welcomed back Jaylen Bush from the 2016 cohort, and after this year's program, Bush earned his private pilot license. Jaylen is committed to achieving his aviation goals and recently earned his Unmanned Aircraft Systems Instructor and Commerical Certificate. He is now working towards becoming a corporate pilot while also giving back to his community.
FAITH LITTLE '18
Virgina State University Major: Computer Engineering
Since earning her private pilot license in 2018, Little has joined the American Airlines Cadet Academy. She continues to work towards her aviation career goal of becoming a Medevac Pilot.
MICHAEL HARRIS '19 Middle Tennesse State University Major: Aerospace, conc. Professional Pilot
Since earning his private pilot's license in 2019, Harris has continued to earn flight hours by flying private with friends and family. He is currently a student and pursuing his commercial pilot's license. One of Harris' career goals is to become a Tuskegee NEXT flight instructor so he can give back to the program that helped jump-start his aviation career.
PAITYN WHITE '19 Clark Atlanta University Major : Physics
Since graduating from the program, Midshipman Paityn White has become a member of the Navy ROTC at Morehouse University. This summer White worked with the Navy in San Diego where she was able to fly with different Navy Squadrons. After completing her studies, she plans to join the U.S. Navy, commissioning as an O1.
2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
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2020 & 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW Tuskegee NEXT hosts a variety of events designed to develop cadets professionally and personally, inform local youth about aviation careers, and recruit potential cadets. Those events included a resume session, diversity and inclusion workshop, personal reflection through a writing session, and corporate visits to NASA and FONA International Inc.
OSHKOSH Cadets visited AirVenture Oshkosh, an annual air show for aviation enthusiasts. A special thank you to United Airlines for making this experience possible.
WINTRUST
AMERICAN AIRLINES
At the Wintrust Financial Center, cadets learned about banking financing private and corporate aviation.
American Airlines pilots took our students on an exclusive tour of their planes and spoke about career opportunities within aviation.
FLY 2 O'HARE Cadets spent the day at O'Hare Airport where they received an airport tour and a walk-through of a 787 Dreamliner. They also had the amazing opportunity to meet the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation.
2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
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2020 & 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW TUSKEGEE NEXT EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION (EAA) RALLY In September, the Tuskegee NEXT EAA Rally was held at the Knoxville Downtown Island Airport. During the event, participants were able to partake in aviation activities including drone demonstrations, flight simulators, and also learn more about aviation career paths.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) DELIVERY Cadets delivered 2,500 N-95 masks and 100 bottles of hand sanitizer to the Gary/Chicago International Airport. These supplies were provided to Methodist Hospital and the Gary Chapter of the NAACP to assist frontline workers and first responders in the efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
4TH ANNUAL RED TAIL BALL Cirque Tuskegee was a magical evening of wonder and excitement, with live music and performers. During the soldout event, cadets, alumni and supporters came together for an evening of generous giving and celebration of the 2021 Tuskegee NEXT class. A special thank you to Southwest Airlines for their generous donations during the 2021 Red Tail Ball! We are grateful for the generosity of our guests, sponsors and volunteers that made this event a success. 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
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We are grateful for the generous contributions and support of our valued partners.
Tuskegee Airmen Chicago "DODO" Chapter www.taichicago.org
Aerostar www.aerostarcorp.com
Cedarstone Holdings, LLC www.cedarstone.us
William & Mary Davis Foundation Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund Dean Smith Donnie Wahlberg & Jenny McCarthy Ed French Emir Abinion Federico d’Escoto Fona Glen Shimkus Illinois Road and Transportation Builders
Illinois Aviation Academy www.illinoisaviation.com
Aviation Community Foundation www.aviation-community.org
Fona International www.fona.com
Inland Read Estate Group, Inc. J.P. Morgan Charitable Giving Fund James Mclnerney John Bright KDM engineering Luetkehans, Brady, Garner & Armstrong, LLC Luke Slawek Meade Electric Michael Sutton
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals www.obap.org
Judson University www.judsonu.edu
Northern Trust Charitable Giving Program Peter Braxton PMI Energy Solutions, LLC. Robert R. McCormick Foundation Southwest Airlines TC Wealth Partners The Domanada Foundation United Airlines William E. Haslam, Jr. Wintrust
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stephen L. Davis, Chairman*
Joshua Davis
Phillip Luetkehans
Rona Fourte
Karen Moses
Col. Duane Hayden, Vice Chairman*
Captain Lou Freeman
David Nelson*
Luke Slawek, Secretary*
Montel Gayles
Cassaundra Rouse
Pat Brady
Annazette Houston
Guido Visconti
Peter Braxton
Johnny Jackson
Robert Werderich
Cortez A. Carter
Lisa Leftwich
Steven Zimmerman
*Executive Committee members
2022 RED TAIL BALL Join us for another evening of generous giving and connecting with those we serve. Thank you for your continued support.
JOIN US Support from people like you and other visionary entrepreneurs has developed Tuskegee Next from a simple concept into an engine for economic opportunity and hope. We invite you to invest in the future of the skies and the transformation of the lives of under-resourced youth. Visit our website today to help the next class of cadets soar! www.tuskegeenext.org/donate
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