Be part of something bigger - Bringing our community together to inspire our youth   Come together as we show Central Florida youth that math and science careers are great options to a building a better future. We’re advancing our cause to strengthen communities by creating new programs that promote youth development. When we are united, we can make a stronger impact on our youth.   The Y and its community partners, like Lockheed Martin Corporation, are enhancing our commitment to provide innovative opportunities that encourage math and science interests among students with its new “Vision of Flight” Aviation Technology Program. The program is designed to complement the proposed Aviation and Aerospace Engineering Magnet at nearby Oak Ridge High School. The “Vision of Flight” Program will launch with a special visit from the legendary Tuskegee Airmen on Monday, February 20. The Tuskegee Airmen, whom belonged to the elite fighter squadron known as the Red Tail Pilots, were the first African American military aviators in the United States armed forces.  During World War II, they overcame the racially segregated American military and flew with distinction.   The men’s legacies impact us still by encouraging us to persevere in the midst of adversity. At the Y, we believe in overcoming obstacles and bridging gaps. We are helping our communities conquer their own barriers by giving back and launching new programs that empower them to live better lives.   At the event, we will honor Lieutenant Colonel Leo Gray, Lieutenant Colonel Hiram Mann and Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy, Red Tail Pilots who inspire us to move forward against the odds. They will answers audience questions, so we can learn from their experiences that kept them determined and hopeful of the future.   The Central Florida community is also invited to participate in the Lockheed Martin Trade Fair activities which include demonstrations of Lockheed technologies:    

• Joint Strike Fighter “Hot Seat” Simulator
• Gyrocam sensor system
• Laser scanning optics
• Thermal Imaging

  Be part of something bigger than a health club. Join the Y of Central Florida as we host and join forces with Oak Ridge High School, the Federal Aviation Association, the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Lockheed Martin to honor the Red Tail Pilots and showcase how a career based on math and science interests is a rewarding option for our Central Florida youth.       When:          Monday, February 20, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Where:         South Orlando YMCA Address:       814 W. Oak Ridge Road, Orlando, Florida 32809 Phone:          407.855.2430 Cost:            Free. Open to all Central Florida Residents. RSVP:          Required. Please send an email to Kisha Bea at [email protected]. Food:            Refreshments provided.   --- The YMCA of Central Florida works in close collaboration with educators, business leaders and local governments to develop unique learning environments that support academic achievement and high performance in schools. Its partnership with Lockheed Martin Corporation helped establish the Technology Center at South Orlando YMCA, which provides students at neighboring community schools with an opportunity to explore careers in math and science that play a significant role in Central Florida’s economic development.  

Will you join us?