Growing Tomorrow’s
Workforce, Today
ConocoPhillips
IT’S NO SECRET THAT energy major ConocoPhillips directly contributes
to the future of aviation. EAA members and aviation enthusiasts alike
know and love Phillips 66, one of the company’s product brands that
makes ConocoPhillips one of the largest refiners of avgas.
What may be less known is the company’s support of education—
within EAA and beyond. Because, to ConocoPhillips, one way to
ensure the industry’s future remains bright is to light a spark in the
hearts and minds of today’s youth.
The company has been actively involved in aviation education via
support for Young Eagles and related EAA programming for more
than 15 years.
“The reason we got involved and stay involved is because Young
Eagles fits beautifully with our focus on education,” said Kristi
DesJarlais, manager of global brand and community investments for
ConocoPhillips. “Its focus on math and science aligns really well with
our community investment strategy. We look closely at educational
opportunities that support those skill sets, as those are disciplines we
need in our business for the future.”
As ConocoPhillips’ commitment for Young Eagles has grown over
the years, so has its support for other EAA initiatives. In July 2011,
it will become the named sponsor of the West Ramp at AirVenture,
naming it “ConocoPhillips Plaza.” ConocoPhillips Plaza, the hub
of activity, aircraft displays, and presentations during AirVenture
Oshkosh, will also be home to a corporate exhibit for the company,
showcasing many of its products and brands. “Our roots are grounded
in the air,” said DesJarlais, who noted that the company produced
Phillips Petroleum Company sponsored Hollywood stunt flier Art Goebel
(pictured third from the left) in a race from Oakland, California, to Honolulu,
Hawaii, in 1927. As the race winner, Goebel achieved this feat in a plane called
the Woolaroc using Phillips aviation gasoline, the precursor to today’s Phillips
66 avgas. Pictured also are Phillips Petroleum executives L.E. Phillips, Clyde
Alexander, and Frank Phillips.
aviation fuel even before it produced automotive fuel.
“Given our longstanding history in and appreciation of
aviation, it makes sense for us to have a presence at the
largest air show in the world.
“We’ll also continue our Young Eagles involvement
at AirVenture this year—hopefully by bringing in a flight
simulator to help kids build an interest in aviation…and
math and science. We want to kick-start that relationship
whenever we can.”
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE GET involved in
aviation has been central to EAA since the
very beginning. Long before EAA launched
the Young Eagles programs, my father
and EAA volunteers were in the schools,
teaching the value and impact of “hand
and mind” engagement. Building aircraft
was and continues to be a natural way to
encourage development of the values and the
knowledge needed to be successful. Today,
our Young Eagles program reaches tens of
thousands of youth around the country and
beyond each year. The lessons learned range
from exciting interest in aviation, to sharing
a great experience, to promoting a deeply
focused desire to pursue a career in aviation.
The interaction with the volunteer pilot, the
mentor, helps young people understand that
hard work, focus, and determination can
help them achieve their dreams. It also helps
them understand the need for training and
the meaning of personal responsibility. These
lessons are central to their growth and success.
We are fortunate that companies like
ConocoPhillips share our commitment to the
future of aviation by supporting AirVenture
Oshkosh and our Young Eagles program. As
we work to elevate the impact of our Young
Eagles program,
partnerships will be
key. No other program
has impacted the
growth of aviation, the
introduction to flight
to a new generation
of aviators, like the
Young Eagles program.
