Nestled next to the San Gabriel Mountains in California’s high desert, the SoCal Soaring Academy (SCSA) is busy putting people who never thought about flying into the cockpits of its Schleicher ASK-21 sailplanes.

“Through our collaborations with teachers, parents, and community organizations, Soaring Academy’s programs unlock potential in veterans and kids. We love inspiring the next generation of aviators, engineers, and STEM professionals and providing an opportunity for veterans to rejuvenate and heal,” says Julie Bennett, Director of Non-Profit Development.

Incorporated in 2010 as a non-profit 501(c)(3), the Soaring Academy is committed to the fun and art of flying gliders and its value to the community. “Our mission is to use the cockpits of our gliders to instill the type of confidence that launches potential,” comments Director and General Manager, Chris Bennett.

The Soaring Academy is proud to have introduced more than 10,000 kids to aviation by demonstrating the assembly of full-sized gliders in their middle and high schools. Over 800 students have had hands-on flying experience in the cockpits of its sailplanes. More than 1,700 veterans, in conjunction with an array of Southern California veteran’s hospitals, have flown with the Soaring Academy as part of their healing process. Today, the Soaring Academy’s team consists of 20 tow pilots, 15 Certified Flight Instructors—Gliders (CFI-Gs), and an ever-increasing number of volunteers, donors, and advocates from general and commercial aviation, NASA, Civil Air Patrol, bush and test pilots, aerospace engineers, first responders, and teachers.

Located in Llano, California, the Soaring Academy operates out of the 2,600-foot, paved, private Crystal Airport (CN46), which is generally acknowledged as one of the best locations in the world for soaring due to the area’s intense production of thermal, convergent, wave, and ridge lift.

The San Diego Air & Space Museum’s ongoing commitment to STEM and outreach into the community with innovative programs, such as the Mission Control Mobile Classroom, have served as models for the Soaring Academy’s efforts.

Should you or your organization want to know more about how the Soaring Academy can help you reach your objectives, please get in touch with Julie Bennett at julie@soaringacademy.org or by calling (866) 945-0240.

To learn more, visit soaringacademy.org.