Supporting communities STEM and aviation-focused AAR’s recent partnerships include: Giving back to the community is a critical part of AAR’s culture. We education support nonprofits and organizations that work to improve society, with an emphasis on veterans’ programs and education for high As a pioneering aviation company, we have a responsibility to think school and college students. Our support also includes charitable ahead and see the big picture. A Boeing study estimated that donations, event sponsorship and volunteering. Although the 192,000 new aircraft technicians in North America and 739,000 new pandemic has slowed our giving rate and the number of events aircraft technicians worldwide will be needed through 2039, and we Working Heroes Program we have participated in this past year, we remain committed to our are determined to help fill the gaps with our workforce development communities and look forward to ongoing collaboration. strategy involving two successful programs, STEM education with Our country’s veterans are disciplined and loyal workers capable of partner schools and our EAGLE Career Pathway Program. quickly becoming valued mechanics and natural leaders. In collaboration with LAUNCH, AAR hires veterans through the Working Heroes Program Active military and veteran Source: Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook 2020-2039. to fill the industry-wide shortage of aviation maintenance personnel. programs LAUNCH is an ongoing program, for several years, which helps Both programs are geared towards inspiring young minds and experienced veterans and transitioning service members successfully AAR’s success in supporting the U.S. Military and allied countries is creating pathways to successful careers in aviation. In essence, we integrate into the workforce. in large part due to the valuable skills of our dedicated employee are preparing the young generation to take up the mantle when they base of military veterans. Veterans make up 22 percent of our U.S. are ready to spread their wings. workforce and are a key focus in our local recruitment efforts. Inspiring youth As a proud military-friendly employer, we recruit veterans through To instill a deep interest for aerospace in young people and VIPER various military and academic partners, including: create a talent pipeline for the aviation industry, we collaborate In April 2021, AAR partnered with VIPER Transitions to launch the with elementary, middle and high schools and organizations to nonprofit’s first aircraft maintenance workforce program. VIPER is a • Air Force Academy • Naval Station Great Lakes demonstrate the relevance of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, veteran-run job training initiative providing resources and transferable High School • University of Chicago Engineering and Mathematics) and introduce them to career skills for service members transitioning from military to civilian life. • Chicago Veteran Summit Veterans pathways in aerospace in a fun and engaging way. We started the new alliance with a $25,000 grant powered by the Lumina • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical • Veteran Career Summit In the cities where we operate, we encourage students to learn about Foundation for tools and equipment to be used by participants. The program University’s SkillBridge • Women in the Air Force the aviation industry firsthand by regularly opening our doors to students includes a general aviation curriculum developed by the Aviation Institute of Program for transitioning for tours and mentorship programs. Our “Taking Flight” national Maintenance (AIM) and a week each of airframe and powerplant instruction for military (part of our EAGLE 10-15 students for twelve weeks (totaling 480 hours). Career Pathway Program) education initiative introduces young students to exciting careers in aviation. The successful program includes participation in career days, Graduates will continue training at an AIM campus or work at a partner field trips and paid internships at AAR locations across the country, company like AAR. including Miami, Indianapolis, Oklahoma City and Chicago. We also promote aviation as a viable vocation in underserved areas. 26