Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties member Jill Prime, 18, has high ambitions of becoming a pilot.
As a first-year student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prime is studying aviation maintenance science with a focus on cybersecurity.
“Now, as technology is advancing and planes are becoming more and more electronic, my biggest ambition is just to keep the plane safe while they’re up in the air,” she said. “Just knowing that everybody could get home safely to their families — that just makes me feel good.”
And as a female in the aviation maintenance field, Prime has had to think about more than merely her studies.
“I feel like I do have to be more confident, be more bold and be more outspoken,” she said. “I don’t want to get pushed to the back a little bit, so as long as I’m staying confident and speaking up for myself, I’ve been doing pretty good so far.”
Allegiant Airlines awarded Prime a $34,000 scholarship to cover half of her first year of tuition at ERAU. Additionally, Allegiant is matching Prime with a current Allegiant captain, Capt. Kati Whatley, who will serve as a mentor.
“This is like a dream come true,” Prime said.
Prime has been interested in aviation since she was in third grade. She told The News-Journal that The Boys & Girls Club has been “instrumental” in supporting her dreams, helping her participate in initiatives such as the Women in Aviation partnership with ERAU and the Black Pilots of America’s two-week teen flight academy.
“From making paper airplanes to learning about careers in aviation and flying drones, these experiences have been invaluable,” she said.
Attending the Black Pilots of America Summer Flight Academy in Houston was a significant milestone in Prime’s career, she said, because while there, she received 10 hours of flight time and 40 hours of ground training.
“This experience directly led to my first solo flight and ultimately helped me obtain my student pilot’s license,” she said.
Prime earned her pilot’s license before she earned her driver’s license; she was only 17 when she flew a plane for the first time.
“It was kind of nerve-wracking, but really, I really enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to get back up in the air,” she said.
Prime is proud of how far she has come at such a young age, and she has expressed gratitude for all of the individuals who have played a role in her journey.
“To all the kids that look like me, take in as much as you can. Remember, the Boys & Girls Club helps create great futures — I am living proof,” she said. “I want my story to motivate all young girls looking up at me to pursue their dreams with all their heart. Anything is possible with hard work and dedication.”