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Our mission is to fuel dreams, transform futures, and uplift our community through aviation.

ACI Jet’s Vy Foundation is where our mission statement takes flight! Created to bring our purpose to life—helping people, businesses, and communities reach their full aviation potential—the Foundation is ACI's philanthropic engine for change. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the VY Foundation supports youth, veterans, and underserved communities by funding programs that create real pathways into aviation, STEM, and workforce readiness. By rallying resources, forging powerful partnerships, and building sustainable endowments, we’re opening doors to meaningful aviation careers in communities that have long been overlooked. We believe aviation can be a force for good, and with the Vy Foundation leading the way, we’re soaring toward a brighter, more equitable future.

Seventy percent of our fundraising efforts support two incredible institutions: Orange Coast College and Cuesta College. Each operates an FAA-regulated Aircraft Maintenance Technician program that provides students with a low-cost entry point to rewarding and in-demand careers throughout aviation and beyond. The remaining thirty percent of funds raised are invested in local non-profits, educational programs, and community partners that align with our mission of building career pathways and expanding opportunity.

The Vy Foundation’s giving budget is fueled by major and minor grants, customer donations, and matching funds from ACI Jet for select initiatives.

We’re always excited to hear from those looking to make a difference! Whether you’re seeking donations or looking for volunteers, we welcome your request. Each submission is thoughtfully reviewed by our Foundation’s board on a quarterly basis.

To share your project or unique need, simply complete the form below—it goes directly to our board members for consideration. While we may not be able to support every request, each one is met with genuine enthusiasm and a shared commitment to discovering meaningful ways to connect to and help the communities we serve.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

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President

Alyssa Pekarek

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Secretary

Luke Newlon

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Treasurer

Cole Farrar

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Board Member

Nathen Steiger

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Board Member

Carl Ford

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Board Member

Sandy Wu

ABOUT ORANGE COAST COLLEGE'S AMT PROGRAM

OCC’s Career Advantage programs in Aviation Maintenance Technology prepare students for high-paying, in-demand jobs as aircraft maintenance technicians or avionics specialists. Students may earn a certificate or associate degree in Airframe, Powerplant, Avionics and/or Helicopter Theory and Maintenance. These programs prepare them for entry-level or higher positions in commercial airlines and private or corporate aviation. The OCC Aviation Maintenance Technology program has helped launch careers in aviation maintenance for over 30 years, and graduates have thriving careers in major airlines and corporate flight operations across the state.

ACI Jet is spearheading the establishment of an endowment which would help fund a consistent fuel budget for the foreseeable future.

Learn more about the OCC AMT Program
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ABOUT CUESTA COLLEGE'S AMT PROGRAM

Cuesta College’s Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) courses prepare students with the skills and technical knowledge they need to perform maintenance on aircraft and other vehicles in the aerospace industry. The program includes general, airframe and powerplant maintenance subjects required by the Federal Aviation Administration as part of the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program.

A&P certification also opens the door for work in the growing field of unmanned aircraft that will require FAA-certified technicians. Additional opportunities outside of aviation include commercial space, maintenance of maritime powerplants, large scale agricultural systems, wind turbines, auto racing, and the industrial application of hydraulic systems e.g. elevators, manufacturing equipment, amusement parks, etc.

In addition to being the primary catalyst behind the launch of Cuesta’s AMT Program and providing ongoing technical and financial support, ACI Jet is currently pursuing avenues to support additional full-time faculty positions, providing ongoing stability and promoting program growth.

Learn more about the Cuesta College AMT Program
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44 Women's Scholarship Luncheon
Driven by a shared commitment to empowering underserved youth, the Vy Foundation participated in the Orangewood Foundation’s 44 Women's Scholarship Luncheon. The event centered on a unified vision: striving for equity and building a community where every young person thrives. While there, our team engaged directly with the General William Lyon Workforce Academy to create new pathways for young people in foster care. By connecting these students with hands-on experience and career growth opportunities in the aviation field, the Vy Foundation is actively helping to turn their envisioned futures into reality.
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Women in Aviation - San Diego Chapter
The Vy Foundation proudly attended the Women in Aviation: San Diego Chapter gala, sponsoring a table to help fund the organization's educational scholarships. To make the evening even more impactful, the foundation extended special invitations to four hand-selected women, each actively pursuing careers as pilots or leaders in the aviation community to attend the event as our honored guests. Through this table sponsorship, the Vy Foundation was able to contribute to vital financial support for women in the industry while simultaneously providing direct networking opportunities and inspiration to the next generation of female professionals at our table.
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UCI Rocket Team: Project Liquids
The Vy Foundation is pleased to announce its continued partnership with the UCI Rocket Project Liquids team. UCI’s student-led team is currently developing the M0CH4 rocket, powered by the "Poseidon" methane and liquid oxygen engine. Following a first-place finish at an international competition in July 2025, the team has successfully moved through critical testing milestones. They recently completed their second M0CH4 vertical test fire, providing essential data as they iterate on their hardware. The team remains focused on their ambitious goal of breaking the collegiate methalox altitude record with a target of 45,000 feet.
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JA Inspire 2026
The Vy Foundation supported direct engagement with Southern California students by participating in Junior Achievement Inspire 2026. They spoke directly with students about available aviation career paths to help inspire the next generation of professionals. The foundation's involvement was also highlighted on a Good Day LA news broadcast, showcasing our ongoing commitment to bringing real-world aviation exposure to youth.
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Their Place on PCH
Vy Foundation funded the completion of an Affordaplane build at Their Place on PCH, a nonprofit afterschool garage and machine shop serving youth ages 14 to 20. The project gives students direct, hands-on experience with aircraft construction, mechanics, fabrication, and precision machining. By supporting a real aircraft build, Vy Foundation helped turn technical curiosity into practical aviation skills and career exposure.
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Girls in Aviation
Vy Foundation participated in Girls in Aviation Day at Oceano Airport, connecting girls ages 11 to 18 with real career paths in aviation. Through hands-on exposure, conversations with aviation professionals, and career-focused programming, students saw what is actually possible in this industry. For many students, this was their first real look at aviation as a career, not an idea, but a path.
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UCI Rocket Team: Project Liquids
Vy Foundation supported the UCI Rocket Project Liquids as the team advanced through critical testing milestones toward a liquid rocket launch in February 2026. Beyond the lab, the team extended their impact by engaging young students at the Girl Scouts of Orange County STEM Expo, introducing hands-on rocketry and real-world engineering pathways. This support helped fuel both technical progress and early inspiration, from the test stand to the next generation of engineers.
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Civil Air Patrol
Vy Foundation funded the Civil Air Patrol with a grant to purchase portable aircraft air conditioning units for mission aircraft operating in extreme heat. The equipment was deployed immediately and is now actively improving safety and comfort for volunteer pilots flying later-morning sorties. It is a practical upgrade that directly supports mission readiness when conditions are toughest.
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SJSU Aviation Career Discovery Day
Vy Foundation sponsored and participated in the SJSU Aviation Career Discovery Day, supporting direct engagement between students and aviation professionals. Vy Foundation President Alyssa Pekarek and Alfredo Garcia, Director of Sales and Business Development in ACI Jet’s MRO department, attended to share real-world career paths and industry insight. By investing in both representation and mentorship, Vy Foundation helped connect education to actual aviation careers.