For many kids, the sky is filled with wonder and mystery. But for students across Western Pennsylvania, Hosanna House is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it’s the destination.
By teaming up with Aerium, an organization dedicated to aviation innovation, Hosanna House is giving local youth a chance to swap their textbooks for flight controls. Through hands-on learning and professional mentorship, they are helping students imagine themselves not just as passengers, but as the pilots, engineers and leaders of tomorrow.
Read on for details on how students can get involved, and even experiment with flying as young as 11 years old.
Kids will consider how an airport operates at the Airport Play Table. Photo by Sally Quinn.
A Firsthand Look at the Future
On Feb. 26, I visited the Black History Aviation reception at Hosanna House and saw the magic in action. I learned that students as young as 11 are already experimenting with the science of flight.
The mission here is simple but powerful: Make the world of aviation accessible to kids who might otherwise never get to step into a hangar or a cockpit.
Hosanna House isn’t just talking about airplanes; they are building a bridge to the industry. By connecting students with real-world experts, they are turning “maybe one day” into a concrete career path.
More Than Just Pilots
One of those experts is First Officer Shawn White of Delta Air Lines. A U.S. Navy veteran, White now flies commercial jets, but he spent his afternoon at Hosanna House making sure students knew that “aviation” is a big word with plenty of room for everyone.
“I hope I can be an inspiration to younger people,” White said. “Kids should see that they can be more than just pilots. They can be mechanics, engineers, or work for the FAA, anything they want.”
For students like Aaron Ntoka, a current high school senior, these programs are life-changing. Aaron first caught the aviation bug in seventh grade. Through Hosanna House’s programming, he didn’t just read about planes — he took lessons and found mentors who helped him navigate the industry.
Now pursuing formal aviation studies, Aaron says the thrill of flying is only matched by the support he received.
“Being able to fly is one of the most exciting things,” Aaron shared. “The program helped me connect with mentors. It helped me chase my dreams.”
Staff are ready to teach kids all about the Cockpit Flight Trainer. Photo by Sally Quinn.
How to Get Involved
The partnership between Hosanna House and Aerium is designed to spark curiosity and then provide the map to follow it. Whether a student is interested in the grit of mechanics, the precision of air traffic control, or the high-tech world of aerospace engineering, these programs provide the tools to get there.
Both Hossana House and Aerium are running summer programs with rolling admission deadlines throughout the summer. They feature different cohorts for students ranging from 9 to 17. Students at the high school level who participate are also eligible for scholarships.
Want to learn more? Contact Dr. Tammi McMillan, Vice President of Hosanna House or visit Hosanna House online.