For many young people, the dream of becoming a pilot can seem distant, often held back by the cost of training, limited awareness of aviation opportunities, and restricted access to resources.
Colonel Tony Marshall is working to change that by leading the aviation club through Millionaire Mind Kids, a program designed to introduce youth to aviation and help them pursue careers in flying and aerospace. What began as a small effort has grown into a program that has helped dozens of students take their first steps into the aviation world.
The Origins of the Aviation Club
Marshall joined Millionaire Mind Kids in 2012, when the organization already had an aviation component within its summer programming. As he took over the program, he noticed that students quickly became excited about aviation, but many of them ran into a major obstacle.
“The kids were getting excited about aviation, but then they faced this huge financial burden,” Marshall explained.
After discussing the challenge with local leaders, the idea for a dedicated aviation club began to form. The goal was to help students move beyond simply learning about aviation and give them real opportunities to pursue flight training.
The program began with a budget of about $5,000. Over time, community support and growing interest helped it expand significantly. Last year, the aviation club operated with approximately $80,000 in support.
Introducing Students to Aviation
Students begin their journey through a two-week Aviation Academy, a free summer program that introduces participants to the basics of aviation. Those who demonstrate strong interest and motivation are invited to continue their involvement through the aviation club.
One of the early experiences for many participants is a Young Eagles flight at Apple Valley Airport. Through the program, students as young as eight years old can take their first ride in a small aircraft.
“That first ride often sparks something,” Marshall said.
From there, students gain access to online ground school training and begin learning the fundamentals required to pursue aviation seriously.
Building Skills Beyond the Cockpit
The aviation club does more than teach students how to fly. The program also focuses on leadership and life skills that can benefit students in any career path.
Students create resumes, build professional portfolios, search for scholarships, and participate in financial literacy activities such as virtual investing.
Marshall believes aviation is an ideal way to teach discipline and perseverance.
“If you’re flying an airplane, you can’t just pull over to the side of the road and give up,” he said. “You have to solve problems and safely land the plane. Those are the kinds of problem-solving skills that apply to anything in life.”
Today, the club includes about 35 students, most of whom live in the High Desert area.
Real Results for Students
Since the program began in 2014, the aviation club has already seen impressive results.
Twenty students have completed their first solo flight, and seven have earned their private pilot certificates, with more currently working toward that goal. Many others are actively flying or completing the prerequisites needed to begin flight training.
Graduates of the program have also gone on to pursue a wide range of careers. Some have become aircraft mechanics, while others are working in aviation-related roles at airports.
Former participants have also continued their education at universities such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Delaware State University, and San Jose State University. Others have pursued careers in cybersecurity, education, and technology, while one graduate joined the United States Army.
Marshall’s Personal Aviation Journey
Marshall’s passion for the program is rooted in his own childhood experience. As a young person, he dreamed of becoming a pilot but had little guidance on how to pursue that goal.
“When I was a kid, I thought I wanted to be a pilot, but I had no idea how to become one,” he said. “There were no role models around me who looked like me in aviation.”
His path eventually led him to the United States Air Force Academy, where he launched a career in aviation. That experience now drives his desire to help young people discover opportunities they may not otherwise see.
“We want to expose kids to the possibility that they can become aviators or work in aerospace,” Marshall said.
How to Get Involved
As the aviation club continues to grow, community support remains essential.
Marshall says the organization welcomes volunteers, mentors, and financial contributions from businesses and community members who want to help support local youth.
Donations can be made through the Millionaire Mind Kids website, with supporters specifying that their contribution goes toward the aviation club. Checks can also be mailed directly to Millionaire Mind Kids, and contributions are tax-deductible.
Programs like the Millionaire Mind Kids Aviation Club are helping young people discover opportunities they may never have known existed. By introducing students to aviation and supporting them along the way, the program is not only building future pilots but also inspiring confidence, discipline, and new possibilities for the next generation.
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