WILMINGTON, Ohio — The ATSG Charitable Foundation has announced its financial support for three elementary school book fairs, including one in Blanchester, and the Ohio 4-H Pathways to the Future program. According to a news release, this reinforces its commitment to STEM education with the goal of engaging more students in aviation and related career fields.
“We are focused on fostering a passion for STEM subjects, especially aviation,” said Mike Berger, CEO of Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) and member of the Foundation’s board of directors. “By supporting programs that inspire an interest in science and technology, we are helping to create a pipeline of young talent who will one day shape the future of aviation.”
The Foundation will sponsor book fairs at Broward Elementary School in Tampa, Fla.; Hamilton Elementary School in Tulsa, Okla.; and Putnam Elementary School in Blanchester, near the ATSG Corporate Headquarters.
The book fairs, provided by Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, will offer every student the opportunity to take home three books of their choice free of charge, while the schools will receive an additional 300 books for classroom and library use. These initiatives are part of ATSG’s broader effort to spark curiosity and learning in STEM fields from an early age, according to the release.
The donation to the Ohio 4-H Foundation will support six science, technology, engineering, and math events taking place throughout Ohio in 2024 and 2025, exposing as many as 2,500 young people to STEM careers through hands-on activities and mentorship opportunities as part of Ohio 4-H Pathways to the Future, a partnership between Ohio 4-H and The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) that aims to prepare youth to accomplish their college and career goals following high school.
“We are excited to receive this support from the ATSG Charitable Foundation,” said Dr. Kirk Bloir, State 4-H Leader. “This support will help youth gain the hands-on experience and mentorship needed to consider exciting careers in fields like aviation, where STEM skills are essential.”
By investing in these programs, ATSG Charitable Foundation hopes to inspire the next generation of aviators, engineers, and scientists. Through early exposure to STEM, students will gain the tools and knowledge to pursue careers that drive innovation in aviation and beyond, according to the release.
