American Airlines team members give back to educational institutions in Jamaica

American Airlines has proudly served Jamaica for more than 40years. As part of the company’s commitment to diversity, American Airlines Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRG) work to educate, create awareness and promote inclusion initiatives.

The Caribbean EBRG is dedicated to educating people regarding the importance of the Caribbean market as well as raise cultural awareness. Every year, this group coordinates a volunteer Adopt-an-Island project to benefit a community in the region.

This year Jamaica was selected. During a three-day mission, the team worked with three local institutions: Whitfield All-Age School in Kingston, Jamaica College in Kingston, and Grove Mount Basic School in Mandeville.

The EBRG chapters in London (LHR) and Miami (MIA), along with the Gregory McFarlane law firm, representatives from the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and the Princes Trust (founded by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales) were all part of this effort.

meet and greet

The team donated funds towards the building of a playground at Whitfield All-Age School to help achieve the Early Childhood Commission’s regulation certification, as well as donating school supplies and books. At Jamaica College, the volunteers had an opportunity to connect with more than 500 high-performing students from more than 40 local schools. Ten American Airlines pilots plus four from OBAP presented motivational talks and empowerment sessions, where students had an opportunity to interact, ask questions about their experience in the industry, and learn about careers in aviation.

There were motivational and enrichment activities with a focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). In addition to these activities, the group donated supplies. They wrapped up their visit at Grove Mount Basic School and established a library for more than 50 students, and donated footwears, school equipment and other items.

“This mission’s goal was to support, motivate and provide expertise to these students as well as make their schools a better place,” said Georgina Smith, EBRG LHR Chapter president. “These young people need to believe they can achieve their dreams. Of the 46 participants on this mission, a large number were born or went to school in Jamaica.

“The students heard first-hand about the importance of a STEM curriculum, “said Joel Hall, EBRG MIA Chapter president. “It is wonderful to be able to give back to the communities many are proud to call home.”

American Airlines has served Jamaica since 1997 and today operates more than 95 weekly flights during peak season between Kingston and Montego Bay and Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami and Philadelphia.