Image source: Gabe Sheffield via Flying Classroom

Writing in Smithsonian magazine, Kenneth C. Davis described Juneteenth (June 19^th) as “Our Other Independence Day.” And so it is, as the holiday commemorating the freedom of enslaved African Americans in the U.S.

In recognition of the holiday, we’re taking a look at the work of Barrington Irving and his Flying Classroom program to bring STEM education to children around the world.

Image source: Barrington Irving via Flying Classroom

The Jamaica-born, Miami-raised Irving is an African American pilot who set the record as the youngest person, and first African American, ever to fly solo around the world. Today he uses that same initiative to fly important STEM lessons around the world.

Irving has been named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, and his Flying Classroom program has logged 55 STEM+ global expeditions, 165 pre-K-12 lessons and 15,300 hours of professional development.

He has even become a Crocodile Hunter of sorts, introducing kids to animals while engaged in scuba diving, sailing and dog sledding!

Image source: Barrington Irving via YouTube

Dan Carney is a Design News senior editor, covering automotive technology, engineering and design, especially emerging electric vehicle and autonomous technologies.

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