The link is a programme created by Airlink in 2016, it identifies bright young minds that have the potential to become excellent STEM mavericks, this group is mentored by Airlink while in high school for a period of three years and stand a chance of being awarded an Airlink bursary for completion of their tertiary studies. By exposing these learners from low-income backgrounds to possibilities in the STEM arena, especially aviation, Airlink hopes that some of them will learn more about the aviation industry and choose school subjects that are tailor made for the careers within or as support to the aviation industry. The programme ensures that the right candidate is selected to join ‘THE LINK’ while at the same time ensuring a larger, lasting impact and memorable experience for all participants. This is achieved through positioning aviation at the forefront of the participants minds by using STEM related solutions and subject matter.

1. Provide learners from low-income backgrounds exposure to the Aviation/Aerospace industry
2. Highlight the importance and role of STEM subjects and their connection to Aviation;
3. Expose learners to an accessible, fun, cool, peer 2 peer and practical way of understanding STEM subjects;
4. Start the process of selecting a pipeline of future aviation talent based on merit;
5. Introduce aviation as a career concept for learners in an environment where their aptitude is tested out of the classroom;
6. Ensure that learners receive the necessary support required to excel in the program by involving their schools and guardians;

1. Expose approximately 60 learners per Airlink destination to the program;
2. Access a maximum of three Airlink destinations annually;
3. Target audience are grade 10 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds aged between 15 – 16 years old from local areas around the activation sites to take part in ‘THE LINK’ innovation challenge day*;
4. Shortlist 20 learners for a ‘THE LINK’ boot camp
5. Between 6 -10 learners are selected during bootcamp to join ‘THE LINK’ programme
6. The learners are inducted into THE LINK- mentored and monitored for the rest of their high school career.
7. Upon completing matric, the top matriculants per cohort earn an Airlink Bursary.

*Please look out for future innovation challenges on our website and social media platforms! To date we have held innovation challenges at the following destinations: Kimberley, Nelspruit; Pietermaritzburg; Bushbuckridge; Bloemfontein, Mthatha, Gqeberha, Cape Town and Wonderboom.

26 alumni studying at the following institutions: University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, University of Western Cape, University of Free State, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, University of Mpumalanga, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Nelson Mandela University, University of the Witwatersrand and University of Northwest

The past challenges are documented here: YouTube link: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCD3Y1RQWN8RJpfXRoxiirwQ

Siphokazi Motsilili | Link Coordinator | [email protected] | 011 451 7502