The First YEP

YEP started in 2010 with B. Coleman's Blackwings Aeronautic Club. There we offered youth ages 14-19 the opportunity to train with experienced aviators and embark on the path to become certified pilots.\

Our founder, Kawana Shaw was inspired by Bessie Coleman and the riveting tale of her being the first female licensed African American pilot and the first ever African American to hold an international pilot license. The program began as an opportunity to give students the chance to learn about piloting, exposing many to a career many had never considered before.

"I am really doing something that I dreamed about since I was a little girl."

Students were instructed by experienced aviators such as Captain Earl McGuire, Aviation specialist. Capt. McGuire had over 42 years of remarkable flight and aviation experience, worked hand in hand with our Program to inspire our youth, and shared his incredible experiences with our students. As an instructor in the primary Flight Training Program for the United States Air Force, he was able to teach our students that the sky was never the limit, building their confidence in opportunities they could have never imagined.

"I completely forgot about all the parts of flying that could have been considered even remotely fearful. I could only think of the exhilaration!"

This program ran for two years and served as the foundation for YEP when it returned in 2025, intent on living up to the high standards of this initial program.

"At that very moment I knew, from this point on that I can achieve anything."