Self-Help - Air Force Flight Academy Chaperones

ECU Department of Kinesiology is currently seeking several Air Force Flight Academy Chaperones.

Air Force JROTC Flight Academy Chaperone Position Description

The Air Force JROTC Flight Academy is an eight-week summer aviation training program hosted at ECU. This scholarship program is a U.S. Air Force initiative intended to inspire and encourage high school youth toward aviation careers in the military or private industry. Since its inception in 2017, 52% of all Flight Academy participants have been from underrepresented groups ( URG) and the program holds an 80% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 20% for similar programs.

We expect to have a team of around 14 Mentors, who are responsible for ensuring youth safety, wellbeing and education remain the priority during the Air Force JROTC Flight Academy from May 25 through July 26. The academy involves approximately twelve high school Air Force JROTC cadets aged 16-17, from around the U.S. who will reside at ECU and attend flight training at Washington-Warren Airport provided by D2 Flight Academy. The budget is in final negotiation with the Air Force, but Chaperone's pay is projected to be $12.50/hr. for 30-40 hours/wk. during the nine-week period. The schedule will consist of three 12 hr. shifts each week, followed by six days off, alternating days and nights and will include some weekends and holidays.

* Protect youth Flight Academy Cadets from vulnerable situations.

* Challenge any behavior from adults or children that concerns you and if you continue to be concerned, escalate your concerns to the appropriate person - you MUST familiarize yourself with ECU's Regulation "Programs Serving Minors" REG01.15.13 https://policy.ecu.edu/01/15/13 and follow this policy and procedures at all times.

* Be alert to all possible risks to the youth.

* Check that the youth feel safe, looked after and able to enjoy and fully participate in the Flight Academy - remember, you are the person to whom they should look to for guidance, protection, clarification, and support.

* Ensure the youth are only ever in the care of the responsible adults during the Flight Academy (i.e. Camp Director, another chaperone or their D2 flight instructor).

* Hold contact details for all key personnel to ensure they can be contacted when necessary. This may include contacting the minor's parents or emergency contact, Academy Director, Flight Instructor etc. A list of all important contacts will be provided, and you will be instructed on how and when to make contact.

* Provide additional support to the JROTC Cadets who may be more vulnerable due to the pressurized environment of flight training.

* Act as a trusted individual and voice for the young JROTC Cadet in this adult training environment.

* Mentors operate under the supervision of the Program Director

* Effective listener and communicator

* Approachable

* Empathetic

* Remains calm in a crisis

* Confident to raise concerns and challenge inappropriate behavior

* Decision-maker who takes initiative

* Problem solver

* Works well as part of a team

* Discreet approach to dealing with situations, understanding confidentiality

* Organized

* All mentors MUST complete and document attending a free Stewards of Children: Darkness to Light training provided by the TEDI BEAR Children's Advocacy Center prior to the Academy's start date. This training usually requires 2-2.5 hours to complete, and is focused on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse.

* All mentors must also undergo and pass a free criminal background check prior to the Flight Academy's start date.

* MUST be an enrolled ECU student at the time of employment.

* MUST hold a valid NC Driver's License, pass a driver's background check and be willing to drive a state vehicle/van between ECU and Washington Airport

If you are interested in being one of 5-7 female or 5-7 male mentors during the 2025 Air Force JROTC Flight Academy, please email a cover letter, a one-page resume and list of references, to Lisa Frederickson, fredericksonl18@ecu.edu in addition to attaching to application.

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.