Check out this excellent short documentary (from Chapman University Film School students) about high school students building a Zenith Aircraft Company kit airplane:
"What I want everyone to take away, whether they spend their career in aviation or not, is the empowerment, the self-confidence, the education, the incredible life-changing experience that happens when you actually build your own aircraft. Every single one of them will walk away from this project with an enormous amount of self-confidence... and knowing that they can do anything that they set their minds to do. Because if they can build an airplane, in high school, there's no stopping what they can do anywhere else through their entire life career."
The Jackpot Squadron is a group of high school students who are building an aircraft. The goal is to provide them with hands-on experience in aircraft construction, and importantly, a first step on a pathway toward a career in aviation. Project JACKPOT (Joint Aircraft Construction for Kids, Parents, Opportunities and Training) provides San Fernando Valley youth, ages 14 to 18, with the opportunity to construct an aircraft with the mentorship of aviation experts from the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 40. Over 175 kids have participated in the free program since its start in 2021.
More info about Jackpot Squadron: (818) 292-9177
10000 Airpark Way, Pacoima, CA 91331