The ATSG Charitable Foundation has pledged financial support for three elementary school book fairs and the Ohio 4-H Pathways to the Future program, reinforcing its dedication to STEM education and aiming to engage more students in aviation and related fields.
“We are committed to nurturing a passion for STEM, with a special focus on aviation,” said Mike Berger, CEO of Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) and board member of the Foundation. “By backing initiatives that spark interest in science and technology, we are helping build a pipeline of young talent poised to shape the future of aviation.”
The Foundation will sponsor book fairs at Broward Elementary School in Tampa, Florida; Hamilton Elementary School in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Putnam Elementary School in Blanchester, Ohio, near the ATSG Corporate Headquarters. Hosted by Scholastic, the global leader in children’s publishing and education, these book fairs will allow each student to choose three free books, with an additional 300 books provided to each school for classroom and library use. These efforts are part of ATSG’s broader strategy to ignite curiosity and foster learning in STEM disciplines from a young age.
In addition, the donation to the Ohio 4-H Foundation will fund six STEM events across Ohio in 2024 and 2025. These events, part of the Ohio 4-H Pathways to the Future program, will expose up to 2,500 young people to STEM careers through interactive activities and mentorship. This initiative, in collaboration with Ohio 4-H and The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), aims to prepare students for their college and career aspirations.
Dr. Kirk Bloir, State 4-H Leader, expressed enthusiasm for the Foundation’s support, stating, “This contribution will provide youth with the hands-on experience and mentorship necessary to explore exciting careers in fields like aviation, where STEM skills are crucial.”
Through these investments, the ATSG Charitable Foundation seeks to inspire the next generation of aviators, engineers, and scientists. By providing early exposure to STEM, the Foundation aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to pursue careers that drive innovation in aviation and beyond.
