Patriots Jet Team Foundation

 

Who is the Patriots Jet Team Foundation

We are a non-profit organization that is dedicated to get youth our community excited about aviation, space, and STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] subjects and careers through our school outreach programs, learning center activities, mentorship, and scholarships.  Get involved today!

  • All volunteer, non-profit 501(c) (3) group — our funding goes directly to support programs, activities, and scholarships

  • Offer free, innovative, and hands-on programs that encourage students to apply new concepts to real world examples

  • Instill the importance of leadership, teamwork, commitment, and community service

  • Apply a holistic approach by collaborating with educators, engaging parents, and offering mentorship

  • Engage about 4,000 students annually in the community, primarily across the San Francisco East Bay and Central Valley

Program Highlights

School Outreach – offered air rocket competitions [click for video], science projects, and classroom presentations; participated in career fairs; and awarded scholarships.

  • High-Altitude Balloon Program – introduced at Excelsior Middle School for Gifted & Talented Education (GATE) Program – reached 107,000 feet, traveled 70 miles, and airborne ~2.5 hrs. [click for video]

  • Cross-Curriculum Aerospace Course (AP Honors) – expanded to a full year course (2018/19) at Freedom High School − initially a single semester class. Added more programs and activities for the Air Force Junior ROTC Program at Heritage High School.

  • Summer Aerospace Course (AP Honors) – offered jointly with the University of the Pacific (UOP) and “Reach for the Stars” Foundation, splitting time between UOP and the PJTF Learning Center.

  • STEM Outreach Activities – expanded to include schools on military bases (Travis AFB & Lemoore NAS).

Patriots Jet Team Foundation (PJTF) Learning Center – hosted various groups for aerospace / STEM programs, including partner academies, USN Sea Cadets (5-day national aviation course) and CAP Cadets (local / regional). Offered Introduction to Aviation courses.

Next Generation Aerospace Educational Partners – expanded relationships with Joby Aviation, Planets Labs, and Volansi.

Annual Aviation & Aerospace Career Fair – added more STEM-related groups, including Lawrence Livermore Labs, Pratt & Whitney, Joby Aviation (electric aircraft), and United Technical Operations along with a static aircraft display, including government agencies.

Free Introductory Flights for Kids– EAA Chapter 663, of Livermore, CA, provides EAA Young Eagles Flights for youth participating with the Patriots Jet Team Foundation.

Scholarships – awarded aviation scholarships to high school students (via a competitive selection process) to attend flight school along with private pilot ground school scholarships. Introducing college engineering scholarships in 2022/23 school year.

Volunteers – added more instructors, program support staff, and student volunteers.

Looking FORWARD

We are pursuing several initiatives – offering college engineering scholarships and adding a robotics & engineering workplace at our Learning Center while developing new program curriculum and expanding our STEM partner programs, including with next generation aerospace educational supporters – Joby Aviation, E-Space, Planet Labs, and Stellant Systems.

Acknowledgements / Awards

PJTF has received awards / recognition from various organizations – a reflection of our volunteers’, educators’, and donors’ commitment to make a difference for the youth in our community.

  • U.S. Congress, California Senate & Assembly, and Contra Costa District 3

  • Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce 2018 Non-Profit of the Year

  • The Association of California School Administrators – Friends of Education of the Year

  • Outstanding Partner in Education (ACSA Region 6)

  • Local ABC Channel 7 / Local Media