Mayor Malik Evans addressed the group, and reminded everyone that the program was “The first of its kind.” Mayor Evans also said that the Aviation Station Program was “A great testament to Library programming,” and he commended the youth for “being trailblazers.”
MCLS/RPL Director Emily Clasper praised George Carter, who initially pitched the idea, noting “Mr. Carter is notafraid to dream and to dream big!”
George Carter, who manages the Youth Services/Safe to be Smart program at Sully, described what sparked the idea to help introduce minority teens to the field of aviation. “Many years ago when I worked in the airlines I didn’t see many African Americans there. I said then, if I ever had the opportunity, I would start a program.”
Emily Clasper then explained how the program was launched so quickly. “When FFRPL Executive Director Donna Borgus found out about this program, she said ‘Let us find the money. You make it happen.’ ”
Following the remarks from City of Rochester and Library administration, impactful testimony came from Camil Rodriguez (pictured) who was asked to speak at the podium.
“When I first heard about the aviation program … back in late April, I didn’t realize how much it would change my life. I wasn’t walking into just another after-school activity — I was walking into the start of my future. This program is special. It’s designed for people of color, it’s completely free, and it removes barriers that often keep young people from even imagining themselves in aviation. Too often, opportunities in this field feel out of reach. Flying a plane can seem like a dream meant for someone else — someone with the money, the connections, and the resources. But this program told me you belong here too. … [This program is] proof that when we remove barriers, we open the door for an entire generation to step into careers they might never have thought were for them. Programs like this aren’t just nice to have — they’re necessary. They create opportunity, equity, and hope. … And when we give young people the chance to rise, the whole community rises with them. I’m living proof of what this program can do. And I’m standing here to say — let’s make sure it continues, grows, and reaches even more young people in Rochester. Because the sky is not the limit. It’s just the beginning.”
The Aviation Station project was funded, in part, by FFRPL.
Sully Branch’s Safe to Be Smart Aviation Station – sponsored by FFRPL – Visits the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (June 2 and June 17 2025)Upon arrival at the airport, Airport Director Andy Moore explained how the security screening area helps ensure passenger safety. The STBS Aviation Station students learned about technology used in airports, including X-ray machines and screening protocols; as well as the importance of adhering to security regulations. Then the group took the shuttle to see key areas of the airport such as the Hangar, Fire Department, Heavy Equipment, Security Operations and Air Traffic Control Tower. The students learned about the heavy equipment used in maintaining runways, a crucial aspect of airport operations that ensures the safety and efficiency of aircraft takeoffs and landings. At the Airport Fire Department, firefighters explained their specialized roles in handling aviation-related incidents, which present unique hazards not seen in typical fire departments. At the hangar, STBS students watched aircraft being serviced and mechanics explained the routine checks and maintenance procedures that ensure every flight departs safely.
Safe to be Smart Aviation Station Program Launches! (April 2025)FFRPL is supporting RPL’s new Aviation Station program through the Sully Branch Library. The program aims to inspire the next generation of aviation experts through a two-month intensive course designed for youth ages 13 to 17 years old.
Mayor Malik Evans announced the launch of the RPL Aviation Station program on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Students will participate in an 8-session training in aviation ground operations at the Sully branch library where they will gain insight into what flight school entails, engage industry experts and aerospace professionals, tour the Frederick Douglass International Airport, get hands-on experience with a flight simulator, and will have the option to join a pilot for introductory flight lessons. “These are great skills to learn and they really can open up the doors of opportunity for people if they apply themselves and decide if this is something that they want to do,” said Mayor Evans.
Youth from the Rochester Public Library’s Safe to be Smart program went to Washington D.C. July 26 – 28.
The itinerary included the National Museum of African American History and Culture, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, White House, Capitol building, Library of Congress, Howard University, and Memorials for Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. and WWII veterans.
The trip was originally planned for the Spring of 2020, but was postponed due to the pandemic.
The Safe to Be Smart trip to D.C. was funded by Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library through generous support from donors, the Konar Foundation, and Reynolds Library.
Along with the City of Rochester and Central Library, FFRPL is a founding sponsor of the Library’s flagship after school program Safe to be Smart, which launched in 2001 and serves youth at Central Library and the Wheatley, Lincoln, Sully, Maplewood and Arnett branches.
The branch libraries play a crucial role in supporting the mission of the Rochester Public Library by delivering services to neighborhoods throughout the City. They provide safe havens for children and youth and are often the only educational and cultural resource available beyond the schools.
At Central and the branches, the Safe to be Smart Library staff provide teens with counseling and mentoring, as well as assistance with homework, employment searches and retention, resume writing and the Internet. The program also provides a safe social environment, with Internet service, games, PlayStation and Wii gaming centers, listening stations and more.
The Safe to be Smart program has a significant impact on area youth. At the Wheatley Branch, StbS staff asked teens who are regulars why they come to the library. They replied, “It’s a Safe Place, Miss.”
At the Lincoln Branch, a group of former teen patrons stopped in to explore the renovated library and teen space. While visiting, they used the word of the day to express their gratitude to Vera Haygood (Ms. Vee), stating, “My goal right now is to ameliorate my life with the things you taught me when I was younger. You’ve always wanted better for us.”
