EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 A new year-round program in El Paso is aiming to help more young women turn an interest in science into careers in aviation and aerospace, fields where women remain significantly underrepresented.<\/p>\n
The MountainStar Sports Group (MSSG) Amigo Airsho announced the official launch of the \u201cHUNT Curiosity Soars\u201d Fly HIGHER Girls STEAM Academy, an initiative that will offer monthly programming, hands-on activities, and mentorship opportunities with community partners. <\/p>\n
According to Amigo Airsho, the program is designed to give students real-world insight into the aviation and aerospace industries.<\/p>\n
Women currently hold only 9.6% of all pilot positions in the United States, according to 2024 reports by the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the highest professional level, women hold just 5.5% of Airline Transport Pilot certificates.<\/p>\n
Fly HIGHER is intended to address that gap by helping students explore career pathways in the industry. <\/p>\n
The founding members cohort, made up of students from the Young Women\u2019s Leadership Academy and the Young Women\u2019s STEAM Academy, recently took part in an immersion experience at the El Paso International Airport through a partnership with airport staff and leadership.<\/p>\n
During the behind-the-scenes visit, students got a look at equipment and operations that support aviation, including NASA\u2019s Super Guppy aircraft and the airport\u2019s Checked Baggage Inspection System. <\/p>\n
They also had an opportunity to meet pilots and technicians at El Paso Aero and Atlantic Aviation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Fly HIGHER STEAM Academy has ignited inspiration, confidence, and ambition in our students,\u201d said Malinda Villalobos, principal at Young Women\u2019s Leadership Academy. \u201cYsleta Young Women\u2019s Leadership Academy is proud to be part of this initiative and looks forward to the continued impact it will have on both current and future students as they rise, lead, and soar.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAt Young Women\u2019s STEAM Academy, we are committed to empowering young women to lead and excel, and the Fly HIGHER program aligns perfectly with that mission,\u201d said Dr. Cynthia Ontiveros, the school\u2019s executive principal. \u201cThis experience reinforced their confidence and expanded their vision for what is possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Organizers said the initiative is supported by community leaders who see youth investment as key to the economic future of the Borderplex. HUNT Companies is providing resources and hands-on learning support to help sustain the program. <\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Blue Angels land in El Paso, begin planning for 2026 Amigo Airsho<\/a><\/p>\n