ELEVATE - Philadelphia Aviation Project
2026 Aviation Career Development SessionsELEVATE AVIATION CAREER DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS
In the aftermath of our second successful excursion to Newark Liberty International Airport, which took place on November 14, 2025, WIF and the City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Education organized an in-person aviation career development day for ten (10) students from South Philadelphia High School and fourteen (14) students from Frankford High School.
Students interacted with United Airlines pilot Cedric Davis, United Airlines communications manager Anthony Fleet, and SKF Group aerospace project management specialist Sydney Chanlatte to dive further into their exploration of the diverse career opportunities that aviation provides.
MARCH 10, 2026
Students from South Philadelphia High School journeyed across town to Frankford High School, which is home to the Frankford Aviation Academy.
This flight program is a partnership between Frankford and Tailwinds Academy of Aviation at Northeast Philadelphia Airport. It offers introductory courses on aviation and exposes students to viable career paths in the field.
Courses can include flight training, drone training and aviation maintenance training.
The day began with the students and aviation professionals introducing themselves. Each professional then made a brief presentation to the group.
Left to right: Cedric Davis, Anthony Fleet, and Sydney Chanlatte
Following the talks, students were broken into groups and given sheets formatted like bingo cards on which they were to write information gathered from the aviation professionals.
Finally, the South Philadelphia students were invited to try their hand at flight simulation. The Frankford students served as peer-to-peer coaches, talking them through the exercises, teaching them the names of instruments …
The session was invaluable in terms of exposing the students to the breadth of opportunities available in the aviation industry and introducing them to professionals who look like them and can serve as role models and mentors in the field.
Because it was both focused and enjoyable, this career day will likely be remembered well.
APRIL 10, 2026
Philly’s George Washington High School held its George Washington Career Experience from 10:00 – 11:15 am on April 10, 2026.
Professionals from varying fields descended upon the school to share their experiences with the students.
United Airlines pilot Cedric Davis participated in this event, just a month after visiting Frankford High School for its ELEVATE Career Day.
Davis was joined by United customer service manager Robert Sims, a Philadelphia native who works at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Both addressed a group of approximately 60 students and then spent time talking with individual students who expressed interest in learning more about the aviation industry.
