Dallas Nonprofit Receives $50,000 Grant for Flight Simulator

Breaking Down Barriers to expand aviation education programs with new Redbird simulator.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:33pm

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Breaking Down Barriers, a Dallas-based nonprofit focused on eliminating barriers to commercial airline pilot careers for underserved communities, has received a $50,000 grant from the JetBlue Foundation to purchase a Redbird flight simulator. The simulator will be integrated into BDB's flight training program and used for community outreach initiatives to introduce aviation concepts and create pathways to aviation education.

Why it matters

The new flight simulator will allow BDB to enhance its pilot training program and expand access to hands-on aviation education for underserved youth and adult learners in the Dallas area, helping to diversify the pipeline of future commercial pilots.

The details

The Redbird simulator will provide BDB students with realistic, scenario-based training to build foundational aviation skills. Beyond serving aspiring pilots, the simulator will also power community workshops introducing aviation concepts and STEM careers to K-12 students and adult learners. BDB has also recently launched a strategic collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to integrate academic pathways with its hands-on flight training.

  • BDB plans to launch simulator training and community programming in Summer 2026.
  • In December 2025, BDB launched its partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

The players

Breaking Down Barriers

A Dallas-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating barriers to commercial airline pilot careers for underserved communities.

JetBlue Foundation

The charitable arm of JetBlue Airways that provides grants to organizations focused on aviation education and STEM programs.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

A leading university for aviation and aerospace education that has partnered with BDB to integrate academic pathways with its flight training program.

Dana Donati

CEO of Breaking Down Barriers.

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What they’re saying

“We are deeply grateful to the JetBlue Foundation for this impactful support. This flight simulator will not only elevate our training program but also expand access for young people and adults who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage with aviation in such an immersive way.”

— Dana Donati, CEO of Breaking Down Barriers

What’s next

BDB plans to launch the new flight simulator and community programming in Summer 2026.

The takeaway

This grant from the JetBlue Foundation will allow Breaking Down Barriers to enhance its pilot training capabilities and bring hands-on aviation education to underserved communities in the Dallas area, helping to diversify the future commercial pilot workforce.