Bridging the Gap OBAP as a Catalyst for Access and Inclusion in Aerospace

Abstract

The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) plays a pivotal role in addressing the longstanding racial and gender disparities within the U.S. aviation/aerospace workforce. Despite industry growth and increased demand for talent, Black Americans remain significantly underrepresented across most aviation professions. This position paper explores OBAP’s function as an equity intermediary—an entity that bridges gaps in access, exposure, and opportunity for minoritized individuals, particularly Black Americans. To accomplish this the paper takes three positions: (1) OBAP plays a key role in the recruitment/retention of minoritized individuals—particularly Black Americans—in the aviation/aerospace industry; (2). OBAP’s programs, namely, EA, ACE, and SFA may increase the participation rates of minoritized individuals in aviation/aerospace because of the exposure, access, and education the programs provide; and (3) OBAP can aid in the aviation/aerospace industry diversification by providing a population that has existed “in plain sight” for years, but has been overlooked historically. By drawing upon scholarship in public administration, STEM education, social equity, and nonprofits, the manuscript outlines certain barriers to entry and offers critical insight for organizational leaders wanting to move the needle. Ultimately, this manuscript contributes to both academic and practitioner discourses by advocating for greater acknowledgment, support, and measurement of minority-serving nonprofits like OBAP, whose efforts remain essential to redressing inequities in STEM-related fields and ensuring a more inclusive future for aviation/aerospace professionals.