Captain Barrington Irving, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD), and the Atlanta Aero Club have joined forces to provide students with an unprecedented opportunity to explore careers in aviation and aerospace through the District's inaugural Aviation Skilled Trades Summer Camp.

Hosted at Ronald E. McNair Middle School, the summer camp combines classroom instruction, hands-on technical training, industry engagement, and career exploration. Students are participating in aviation skilled trades training through the Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS), where they are developing foundational knowledge and practical skills related to aircraft maintenance, aviation technician career pathways, aerospace engineering, and emerging aviation technologies. 

A signature component of the program is an immersive experience at Peachtree-DeKalb Airport (PDK), where students will engage directly with aviation professionals and gain firsthand exposure to the wide range of career opportunities available throughout the aviation industry. The experience is hosted in partnership with the Atlanta Aero Club and its President, Lisa Senters-McDermott.

"Our partnership with Captain Barrington Irving and BITTS creates meaningful opportunities for young people to discover the limitless possibilities within aviation," said Lisa Senters-McDermott, President of the Atlanta Aero Club and CEO of Jet Senters Aviation. "By connecting students with industry professionals and real-world experiences, we are helping inspire the next generation of aviation and aerospace leaders."

Doryiane Gunter, Director of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) for DeKalb County School District, emphasized the importance of the initiative.

"The Aviation Skilled Trades Summer Camp represents an exciting milestone for our district," said Gunter. "It provides students with hands-on learning experiences and direct exposure to high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand careers that can shape their futures."

Captain Barrington Irving highlighted the transformative power of early career exposure.

"Exposure changes everything," said Irving. "Through BITTS, students gain industry-relevant skills while building confidence, curiosity, and a vision for their future. We are proud to partner with DeKalb County School District and the Atlanta Aero Club to help students see what's possible."