The foundations for a successful life begin in childhood. Unfortunately, many Arizona students do not have the benefit of positive mentors and experiences to guide them through life’s inevitable challenges.

Wright Flight, Inc., named after the Wright Brothers, is a unique program that began in Tucson in 1986. Wright Flight was founded by Robin Stoddard, who at the time was an Air Force Fighter pilot. Wright Flight partners with teachers and schools (public, private, charter, and home) to give children the opportunity to set and achieve goals to earn the right to fly an airplane. Wright Flight helps children gain essential life skills for overcoming adversity and achieving goals.

Wright Flight addresses the problems of low student achievement scores, school discipline, school drop-outs and substance abuse by leveraging the compelling, motivational and inspirational aspects of the history of aviation and aerospace. It introduces Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers to students as young as eleven years old. The outcomes for program graduates include better grades, better attitudes at school and home, increased self-confidence and a success mentality.