AMERICA | A 17-year-old exceptional teen named Kamora Freeland, from Staten Island in New York, has made history as one of the youngest African American female pilots in the United States.
Kamora’s journey into the skies began when she was just 15 years old, after receiving a scholarship from the United Youth Aviators program. This opportunity changed the course of her life.
However, it was not an easy journey as she balanced her studies and flight training, and with hardwork, resilience, and discipline, she earned the historical achievement.
Kamorra's Story and How She Did It
As a child, Kamora was fascinated by the ocean and once dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. Her curiosity for science and problem-solving made her excel in STEM subjects, but her path shifted when her mother encouraged her to try aviation.
“Without my mom pushing me to give aviation a try, I may not have ever considered it,” Kamora said.
At just 15, Kamora received her first flight scholarship through the United Youth Aviators, and from that moment, she developed a passion for flying.
EXPLORE SCHOLARSHIPS
While most teens her age were preparing for driving tests, Kamora was logging solo and cross-country flights across New York.
She trained rigorously at Republic Airport in Long Island, and by February 2024, she passed her check ride to become the youngest African American female licensed pilot in New York State.
“I love flying, and I have a passion for it. Plus, pilots can make up to $700,000, so that caught my attention too. The next step is to become a commercial airline pilot,” Kamora said.
Her instructor, who began training her at the youg age of 15, described her as “focused and incredibly disciplined for her age.”
Kamora did not let her aviation dreams affect her academics. As a dual-enrolled student at Kingsborough Early College Secondary School and Kingsborough Community College, she earned enough college credits to skip a full year of high school.
And her stellar academic performance earned her a Presidential Scholarship to Spelman College, where she is now majoring in International Relations and minoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Kamora resumed Spelman College as a second year student and a proud member of the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program.
Her love for learning goes beyond the cockpit. Kamora is also a certified birthing doula and lifeguard, showing her drive to care for others both on the ground and in the sky.
She credited her success to her family, stating that they have been by her side every step of the way. Kamorra’s mother proudly recalled the day her daughter flew her to Martha’s Vineyard.
“She really did it. I couldn’t believe I was sitting in the back of a plane she was piloting,” her mother said.
In addition to her historical achievement, Kamora also received an invitation to intern at NASA, a testament to her growing recognition as a young trailblazer in STEM and aviation.
Although her ultimate dream is to become a commercial pilot, she is equally passionate about creating opportunities for other young Black girls to enter aviation.
“I’m proud to be part of a positive change,” she said. “I hope other young Black girls see me and know they can fly too — in their own way.”
Follow our Social Media Channels:
- WhatsApp: Scholarship Region WhatsApp
- Facebook: Scholars Region
- Twitter: @scholarsregion
- Telegram: Scholarship Region