Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals

Core Services & Expertise

The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) stands as a transformative force in aviation education and professional development, dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for minorities in aerospace careers. Founded in 1976 by Ben Thomas, a visionary African American pilot with Eastern Airlines, OBAP has evolved from a small gathering of 37 pilots to a national nonprofit organization that touches the lives of over 100,000 youth and young adults annually.

At its core, OBAP is more than an organization-it's a movement committed to reshaping the landscape of aviation careers. Through its comprehensive Project Aerospace initiative, OBAP provides a holistic approach to career development, offering everything from early exposure programs to advanced professional support for aspiring aerospace professionals.

Geographic Reach & Capabilities

From its inception in Chicago, OBAP has grown into a national organization with a remarkable presence across the United States. The organization has strategically established five Centers of Excellence in Memphis, Louisville, Atlanta, Miami, and Houston, creating centralized hubs of community-based resources that support youth engagement from childhood through professional career development.

OBAP's reach extends far beyond traditional educational programming. Through partnerships with school districts, federal agencies, and aerospace industry leaders, the organization has created a comprehensive ecosystem of support. The Houston Center of Excellence alone has reached more than 70,000 youth since 2006, demonstrating the profound impact of OBAP's approach to nurturing aerospace talent.

Industry Credentials & Partnerships

The organization's legacy is deeply rooted in advocacy and systemic change. OBAP has been instrumental in influencing policy at the highest levels, including testimony before U.S. Congressional hearings that led to increased accountability in minority recruitment within the aviation industry. Strategic partnerships have been crucial to its success, including collaborations with the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation, and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Key partnerships and programs include:

• • Aerospace Professionals in Schools (APIS)

• • Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academies

• • Solo Flight Academy

• • Luke Weathers Flight Academy

• • Scholarship Programs

• • Aerospace Professional Development Program

These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to addressing representation and opportunity in aerospace, combining education, mentorship, and direct career support.

Client Benefits & Advantages

OBAP offers unparalleled support for aspiring aerospace professionals:

• • Early exposure to aviation careers

• • Comprehensive educational programs

• • Mentorship opportunities

• • Scholarship support

• • Professional development resources

• • Networking with industry professionals

• • Advocacy for diversity and inclusion

• • Pathways to various aerospace career tracks