Junior Achievement hosts Bites and Flights

SALISBURY, Md. — Junior Achievement is inviting the community to a special event called Bites and Flights, a firsthand look at how the organization is empowering students this Thursday.

Erin Williamson, advancement director at Junior Achievement, said, “At JA, we are all about experiential learning programs that help our students gain the knowledge to be financially independent, develop a career-ready mindset, and build the skills for entrepreneurial thinking.”

The nonprofit works with sixth- and seventh-graders on the Eastern Shore to teach financial literacy, including budgeting, writing checks, and exploring potential career paths.

“We rely heavily on our community partners to help us make the impact that we make,” Williamson said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

Junior Achievement’s newest partnership is with HopFlyt, which recently moved into Salisbury. Chief Engineer Neil Winston said the company is excited for the event because it values community outreach.

“What we do is develop new and unique vertical takeoff and landing aircraft,” Winston said. “These are unmanned aircraft used for long-range cargo resupply missions.”

The company said it moves cargo in rural or remote locations, helping reduce costs for air missions. Winston hopes to share his passion for aviation and aerospace technology with students.

“Being able to foster that interest and curiosity drives kids to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering disciplines,” Winston said. “It’s really important to capture that curiosity at a young age.”

The program offers 18 storefronts for students to explore as they discover new interests.

“The goal is to showcase what we accomplished as a group last year and then bring everybody together to do it all over again,” Williamson said.