At Atlantic Aviation, giving back means opening doors, building connections, and helping the next generation see what is possible.

On July 17, the Atlantic Aviation MDW team participated in the 2026 Orchard Drive American Dream Tour hosted at Project H.O.O.D., a South Side Chicago community event introducing students from elementary school through college to aviation, aerospace, and other career opportunities.

This marked Atlantic’s third year participating in the tour. Led by Bernard Young, Area General Manager of Atlantic MDW, the team played an active role throughout the event - from sponsoring the keynote presentation and breakfast for presenters to mentoring students and sharing their own experiences in aviation.

Creating Space for Possibility

As students rotated through different career areas, Atlantic team members answered questions, discussed their roles, and shared personal stories of growth, challenge, and perseverance.

The conversations were designed to help students understand that aviation is about much more than flying aircraft. It is an industry filled with a wide range of careers, including opportunities in fixed base operations, maintenance, leadership, customer service, and many other fields.

For Bernard, the event carried special meaning. Held near the community where he grew up, it provided an opportunity to encourage students to look beyond what they may see in their immediate surroundings and imagine new possibilities for their futures.

An Inspiring Keynote by Captain Barrington Irving

A highlight of the day was a keynote presentation by Captain Barrington Irving, Founder and CEO of Flying Classroom and a trailblazing aviator who became the youngest person at the time to fly solo around the world in 2007.

Presented by Atlantic Aviation, his remarks centered on perseverance, access, and the importance of believing that new opportunities are within reach. Following the keynote, Captain Irving joined Atlantic team members in speaking directly with students and answering their questions about aviation careers.

Atlantic’s participation builds on its broader work with Captain Irving to expand hands-on aviation and workforce pathways for students on Chicago’s South Side.

Inspiring What Comes Next

Through mentorship, candid conversations, and exposure to aviation professionals, the American Dream Tour gave students an opportunity to see the industry through the people who help make it possible every day.

For the Atlantic MDW team, the goal was simple: help students recognize that aviation is not merely something they see overhead. It is a community - and a future - they can be part of.

That is Atlantic Cares in action: showing up, sharing what we know, and helping the next generation dream bigger.