JetBlue has announced $100,000 worth of grants from the JetBlue Foundation to STEM educational programs in Puerto Rico. Grants will help further the airline’s efforts to place aviation fields as top career choices for students.
Over the past five years, the foundation has built relationships with more than 37 aviation programs and provided over $750,000 in grants to help organizations fuel learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Beyond just grants, the JetBlue Foundation provides support, mentoring, and internships to make a difference for the next generation of aviators, engineers, dispatchers, schedulers, aircraft mechanics and pilots.
JetBlue is Puerto Rico’s largest airline and the island is home to nearly 500 JetBlue crew members who support the airline’s operations in its focus city of San Juan, as well as in Aguadilla and Ponce.
“As JetBlue approaches 16 years of service in Puerto Rico, we are celebrating this milestone with the community and fueling STEM initiatives that are positioning Puerto Rico for a brighter future,” said Joanna Geraghty, president, JetBlue Foundation. “Puerto Rico has worked hard to overcome damage from last year’s hurricane. This is one way we’re investing in the island and advancing technology, learning and innovation.”
JetBlue has offered service to Puerto Rico since 2002 and last year initiated the 100x35JetBlue hurricane relief initiative. A nod to the island’s 100×35 mile dimensions, 100x35JetBlue outlined 100 days and 35 ways – and beyond – of caring for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
The JetBlue Foundation is currently accepting letters of inquiry for grants through June 29, 2018.
To help STEM and aviation-focused organizations navigate the application process, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, a previous JetBlue Foundation grant recipient, will offer a grant writing workshop.
The school will share best practices that helped them receive a grant in 2016 for its “Girls in Aviation” program which aims to spark an interest in STEM for girls ages 10-17.
The workshop will take place on June 22 at the Inter American School of Law in Hato Rey. Guests can RSVP at askjbfoundation@jetblue.com. RSVPs are required for attendance.
“For the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, it is a pleasure to collaborate hand in hand with JetBlue to orientate and guide all those interested in obtaining these financial aids. It is our wish that more and more people will be interested in STEM careers, especially women who for decades have been relegated, for lack of opportunities,” said Manuel J. Fernós, president of the Inter American University.
“We applaud our partners at Inter American University for providing this important service to the local community,” said Geraghty. “Their ‘Girls in Aviation’ program has been a model development opportunity to help encourage more girls to pursue aviation.”
For grant criteria or to submit a letter of inquiry, interested organizations can visit jetbluefoundation.org/grants. Grant recipients will be announced in fall 2018.
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