Black Pilots Share What It Takes To Fly In Mentoring Camp

FORT WORTH, Texas -- For the second year in a row, American Airlines will host entertainerSteve Harvey and more than 100 boys from Dallas and across the country at its Alliance Maintenance Base in Fort Worth (AFW) on June 19 during the Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend.

More than 70 American Airlines volunteers, including African-American pilots and aircraft mechanics, will be on hand to meet and mentor the boys, who will learn about what it takes to become a pilot or an aircraft mechanic. The boys will also learn about other careers in the aviation industry.

David Campbell, Vice President – Safety, Security and Environmental for American Airlines, will welcome the group to the base.

"American continues its legacy of bringing aviation career opportunities to students," said Campbell. "Young men need strong role models and I'm proud of the commitment by our employees who are devoting their time in mentoring these kids."

American has several programs designed to expose students to aviation careers, including a Pilot Internship Program for college students majoring in aviation studies and a summer camp at the C.R. Smith Museum in Fort Worth for children in grades 5-8. The airline also participates each year in the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals' Aviation Career Education (ACE) Camp, which introduces middle and high school children to aviation careers.

At AFW, the teens, ages 13 to 18 will get to watch heavy maintenance being performed on an airplane, see a full jet engine test, and watch an emergency evacuation ramp test. In addition, they will be able to talk to aircraft mechanics and pilots one-on-one during lunch and have the opportunity to tour exhibits by American Airlines, the Navy and Air Force.

Harvey, an actor, comedian and best-selling author, created the Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend to support boys who are being raised without a father in the home. Harvey called on celebrity friends, business leaders and corporate sponsors such as American Airlines to lead motivational sessions on fitness and health, getting ready for college, making the best impression and other areas of self development. Over the four-day weekend, the teens will also participate in activities such as tennis, fishing, golf and paintball.

"The real necessity for the mentorship program is the lack of fathers just being fathers," Harvey said. "If every father were to accept the challenge before him, there would be no need for mentoring. I myself had to grow and understand the difficulties that some fathers face. We need to find avenues that a man can take to finally fulfill his role as a father."

About The Steve Harvey Foundation & Mentoring Weekend

The mission of the Steve Harvey Foundation is to mentor young men through the Principles of Manhood to enable them to achieve their dreams and become better citizens, better fathers, better husbands, better MEN who are emotionally, politically and economically strong. Hosting the inaugural Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend for Young Men during Father's Day Weekend in 2009, Harvey brought 100 teenage boys and their guardians from around the country to his ranch in Dallas. The program's success inspired Harvey to expand his mission nationwide and create 10 satellite mentoring programs for 2010 in New York,Atlanta, Chicago, Tampa, Washington DC, Charlotte, Detroit, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Shreveport. For information about The Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend for Young Men or to make a donation, please visit www.SteveHarveyFoundation.com.