Donation to Expand Bob Hoover Academy Fleet

The California-based aviation program for at-risk youth will receive three EX-2 CarbonCubs over the next three years.

The Bob Hoover Academy will receive three CubCrafters EX-2 CarbonCub kit airplanes over the next three years for its students to build. [Courtesy: The Bob Hoover Academy]

The Bob Hoover Academy will receive three CubCrafters EX-2 CarbonCub kit airplanes over the next three years for its students to build, thanks to a donation by The Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation, the organization announced at EAA AirVenture on Tuesday in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The Salinas, California-based aviation nonprofit focuses on inspiring at-risk youth to  engage in STEM education. The program has a Cessna 152 and Redbird Flight Simulations FMX AATD, which allow students to pursue a private pilot certificate. 

The program also offers students an opportunity at completing ground school utilizing the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) high school curriculum.

The foundation’s $1.5 million donation, which was funded by Tom Siebel, Craig McCaw, and David Leushchen, also includes operational support for the aircraft and guaranteed job interviews for program graduates with industry partners Cirrus, CubCrafters, and Game Composites.

“This donation is about providing hope and tangible opportunities for a better future," Siebel said in a statement. "Salinas is a city where many young people face daunting challenges daily. We are honored to support the Bob Hoover Academy led by impassioned aviator Sean D. Tucker. They are changing lives through the magic of aviation combined with a solid education.” 

Kimberly is managing editor of FLYING Digital.

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