Tuskegee University Relaunches Historic Aviation Program

Last fall, UNCF-member institution Tuskegee University launched a new aviation science program, after receiving $6.7 million in federal funding in 2025 and an additional $5.2 million in 2026—bringing the total to $12 million. The federal funding appropriation was championed by U.S. Senator Katie Britt.

The university is once again training a new generation of Black pilots, more than 80 years after the Tuskegee Airmen made their mark on history. During World War II, the country’s first Black military pilots were trained at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), making the relaunch of the university’s aviation program a historic moment. Decades later, dozens of students are earning their pilot licenses at Tuskegee through the new program. The next generation of Red Tails will become commercial and private pilots.

Last year, Kembriah Parker was the first woman in the inaugural class of students to receive her license through the school’s new program. She is making history as the first Tuskegee Airwoman. Black women did not fly in combat as part of the Army Air Forces units during WWII, but they were integral to training, recruiting and supporting the Tuskegee Airmen, and some served in ground support.

NBC News, NPR and Good Morning America reported on the inaugural class.