Young Elites of the Eastern Shore West to East Coast Aviation Networ

MISSION

Y.E.E.S. W.E. C.A.N. (Young Elites of the Eastern Shore – West to East Coast Aviation Network) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders in aviation, aeronautics, aerospace, engineering, technology, and space exploration.

Our mission is to expose young people to opportunities they may never have imagined, equip them with the skills and confidence to pursue those opportunities, and prepare them to leave a lasting legacy through leadership, innovation, and service.

We believe that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Through mentorship, hands-on STEM education, discovery flights, aerospace experiences, leadership development, and workforce readiness programming, we help students move from exposure to impact.

At Y.E.E.S. W.E. C.A.N., the sky is not our limit—it is only the beginning.

OUR IMPACT

Since our founding, we have provided life-changing educational experiences to youth throughout Maryland's Eastern Shore and beyond.

Our students have:

• Completed discovery flights through partnerships with volunteer pilots and aviation organizations.

• Participated in aerospace and engineering experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world careers.

• Earned drone certifications and explored emerging technologies.

• Attended nationally recognized aerospace programs and summer academies.

• Pursued college pathways in aviation, engineering, and STEM-related disciplines.

• Connected with military, aviation, aerospace, engineering, and corporate mentors who continue to guide their journeys.

Today, our program serves approximately 75 core students annually while reaching more than 1,800 additional youth through community outreach, school partnerships, aviation events, and STEM engagement activities.

EXPERIENCES THAT INSPIRE

Our students have had opportunities to engage with leaders and organizations many young people only read about in books.

Through partnerships and collaborations, our youth have interacted with pilots, engineers, military officers, aerospace professionals, astronauts, and industry leaders who demonstrate what is possible through education, perseverance, and vision.

Program participants have benefited from experiences connected to:

• The Tuskegee Airmen legacy and aviation history.

• EAA Young Eagles flight opportunities.

• Aerospace and engineering mentorship through LCDR Diallo Wallace and TESA.

• University partnerships, including the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

• Virginia Space Flight Academy scholarship opportunities.

• Cube in Space initiatives and aerospace exploration experiences.

• Space Camp and Space Camp Hall of Fame events.

• Hidden Pioneers educational initiatives highlighting the contributions of underrepresented innovators.

• Regional aviation symposiums featuring distinguished guests from aviation and aerospace industries.

These experiences allow our students to see themselves not only as future participants in these industries, but as future leaders within them.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

Many of the youth we serve come from communities where direct access to aviation, aerospace, engineering, and advanced STEM opportunities is limited.

Your support helps remove barriers and create pathways.

Every contribution helps provide:

• Discovery flight scholarships

• Flight training assistance

• Drone certification scholarships

• Aerospace and engineering program participation

• Updated laptop computers and technology resources

• Robotics, electronics, coding, and engineering kits

• Drones and aviation learning tools

• Virtual reality and simulation equipment

• STEM materials and classroom resources

• Backpacks and student support supplies

• Access to mentors, internships, and career exploration opportunities

TOGETHER WE ARE BUILDING THE FUTURE

The future workforce in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and technology is being developed today.

Every student who discovers a passion for engineering, earns a certification, takes a first flight, meets a mentor, or pursues a STEM degree represents another life changed and another future expanded.

At Y.E.E.S. W.E. C.A.N., we are not simply teaching aviation or aerospace. We are building confidence, creating opportunity, developing leaders, and helping young people reach destinations once thought beyond their grasp.

As one supporter described our work, we are helping propel young people into a destiny once unthinkable to apprehend.

We invite you to join us in transforming lives and building the next generation of innovators, aviators, engineers, aerospace professionals, and leaders for Maryland's Eastern Shore and beyond.