Interest in Mechanics Fuels Aviation Maintenance Science Degree

Increasing the Aviation and Aerospace Workforce

According to The Boeing Company’s Pilot and Technician Outlook 2023-2042, 690,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed to fly and maintain the global commercial fleet over the next 20 years. To meet this growing demand, Boeing has partnered with Embry‑Riddle to extend generous two-year scholarships to promising students with the goal of developing qualified professionals for careers in aviation.

Aviation Maintenance Science (AMS) major Everett Young (’27) is one of nine new undergraduates who have been selected as this year’s Boeing Scholars, chosen to represent the future of the aviation and aerospace industries.

Young has always had a love for mechanics and working with his hands.

“When I was younger, I always had a fascination with the mechanical side of the world,” said Young. “While looking for a major, I decided to follow my passion to create and repair, seeing aviation maintenance as my next challenge.”

Fueled by Family

Young’s journey to Embry‑Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus is an outgrowth of the work ethic he inherited from his parents.

“My dad and my mom always taught me that my hard work would reward me,” Young said. “I always strived to achieve the best grades I could while challenging myself through advanced courses, believing I would be noticed. When I learned I had been selected as a Boeing Scholar, I felt like I finally had something to show for all the hard work I put into my education.”

Young also credits his three older brothers as positive role models that he has looked up to his whole life.

“They always will be my role models, motivating me to be my best,” said Young. “Loren, Ian and Foster all set the standard for what I could achieve. As I watched them earn awards during their school careers, I could hardly wait for that to be me.”

Academic Rigor of Aviation Maintenance

At Embry‑Riddle, Young receives hands-on training in the field of aviation maintenance under the guidance of experienced professors who make the curriculum come alive in the classroom.

Despite his fascination with mechanics and working with his hands, Young has come to enjoy his Introduction to Psychology course thanks to expert faculty instruction.

“One of my favorite professors would have to be for Psychology 101, Dr. Stephen Rice. His lectures are engaging, giving deeper insight into what makes up the human mind and how traits develop.”

Young’s favorite class, however, is Applied Calculus for Aviation.

“My favorite class right now is calculus taught by Raafat Okasha. Mathematics has always been my strong point, and the teaching style that my professor invokes is easy to follow and understand.”

A Dynamic Campus Environment

Adjusting to college life as a freshman isn’t always easy. For Young, finding his campus community and connecting with new friends has made all the difference in his first year.

“My experience at Embry‑Riddle has been great,” he said. “The most surprising thing about this school has been how many events it hosts for students. Starting off with Orientation week, it felt like every day they had some kind of social event going on, keeping morale high for the year that was to come.”

As Young looks ahead, he’s keeping an open mind for the future — both at Embry‑Riddle and beyond.

“My current aspirations are pretty broad,” he said. “My only goal is to follow my passion, and I feel that opportunities will come. With the background I’ll have once I graduate, being a Boeing Scholar and holding a degree from Embry‑Riddle, my future will be bright.”

Pursue Interests, Not Titles

Young’s advice to future students is not just to pursue a paycheck, but to follow your interests.

“The important part of going to college isn’t choosing a career that will yield high pay but choosing a career that will maintain your interest,” Young said. “I think it’s a bad idea to make your choice about a profession based purely on the title it gives. The best option would be to ensure you enjoy your career.”

In addition to degrees specializing in aviation and aircraft maintenance, Embry‑Riddle offers over 100 degrees in STEM, engineering, space and more.

“If you have a passion in mechanics and want a greater challenge, aviation maintenance would be the perfect fit,” said Young.