Launching Patti Grace Smith Fellowship for Black Aerospace Students.

Virgin Orbit, a satellite launch company within the Virgin Group empire, established the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, targeting mentorship for Black students in aerospace engineering. This initiative commemorates Patti Grace Smith, a leading figure in the aerospace sector known for her advocacy and regulatory contributions at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The fellowship aims to address diversity gaps prevalent in the aerospace industry by providing financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to Black students aspiring to enter the field. The fellowship program includes comprehensive mentorship, internships, and scholarships aimed at facilitating educational and professional development. Criteria include academic performance, demonstrated interest in aerospace, and commitment to advancing diversity within the sector. The initiative underscores Virgin Orbit's broader strategy to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the aerospace domain. The industry statistics indicate a severe underrepresentation of Black professionals in aerospace engineering, evidencing systemic barriers that hinder access to resources, mentorship, and long-term career growth. Targeted interventions like the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship address these disparities by equipping participants with the necessary tools and resources. The program not only seeks to elevate individual careers but also aspires to foster a more diverse and inclusive aerospace community. Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, endorsed this initiative. His companies have a history of launching projects aligned with social responsibility and innovation. Through this fellowship, Virgin Orbit extends its mission beyond technological frontiers to forge socio-economic impacts within the aerospace industry. The fellowship’s long-term goal is to create a sustainable pipeline of Black aerospace professionals who will influence the industry's future. By directly engaging with the next generation of engineers and scientists, the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship exemplifies a proactive approach to dismantling inequities while fostering innovation. #VirginOrbit #AerospaceDiversity #BlackEngineers #PattiGraceSmithFellowship #STEMEducation #RichardBranson #MoofLife