The program, hosted by Orchard Drive, LLC, features a lineup of speakers including retired Southwest Airlines captain Louis Freeman, aerobatic pilot Douglas Byrd, and City of Chicago official Elgie Rena Neely. Keynote speaker Captain Barrington Irving, Jr., founder of The Flying Classroom, will lead the day’s discussions. The event focuses on small-group interactions, allowing students to engage directly with experts about the realities of the field.
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Aviation Experts Bring Aerospace Careers to Chicago's South Side
Chicago students will meet aviation professionals this Friday at Project H.O.O.D. for the American Dream Tour. The event connects young adults with industry leaders to explore career paths in aerospace, ranging from piloting and mechanical engineering to specialized logistics, aiming to align personal passions with high-demand vocational opportunities.
Tom Flavin, president of Orchard Drive, emphasizes that the goal is to demystify complex career paths. By connecting aviation roles to familiar interests—such as sports, culinary arts, or animal care—the organizers aim to show students that the industry requires a diverse array of skill sets. This marks the fourth consecutive year the tour has partnered with Project H.O.O.D. in Woodlawn to provide mentorship and workforce development for local youth.
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