Students Reach Blue Heights with JetBlue Airways
JetBlue crewmembers provide a very special flight for 12 students from the Henry Viscardi School.
JetBlue has a very distinct, unique and passionate corporate culture. Caring and integrity are not only two of their values; they are the pillars on which the airline was built. JetBlue’s mission of inspiring humanity applies both in the air and on the ground. As “Inspiration Begins with an Opportunity,” the airline’s Reaching Blue Heights initiative was designed to foster and achieve a more inclusive workforce. Most of these efforts were developed from the passion of JetBlue crewmembers who were seeking ways to help create a more all-encompassing work force.
Working closely with the Viscardi Center and its students provides valuable insight into how JetBlue can continue to improve the travel experience for people with disabilities. The Viscardi Center flight is just one of the many things JetBlue has developed to support their Reaching Blue Heights initiative.
The day started with a special breakfast at JFK before JetBlue Flight 518 carried 12 students and their caretakers, as well as Viscardi staff and nearly 50 customers, from New York’s JFK Airport to Boston’s Logan International Airport. Upon arrival, the group had a chance to explore the terminal before having lunch in the Emirates Lounge, prior to heading back to JFK.
Under the umbrella of its Reaching Blue Heights initiative, the People department (Human Resources) at JetBlue has worked for the past two years to develop a relationship with the Viscardi Center that creates a vibrant talent pipeline for hiring people of all abilities at JetBlue. The partnership includes providing career coaching to Viscardi students and alumni. JetBlue has also hosted Disability Mentoring Day, a national effort around mentorship opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
In May, Viscardi honored JetBlue with its first-ever Corporate Excellence in Disability Practices Award at its 49th Annual Celebrities Sports night fund raising event. The Corporate Excellence in Disability Practices award was presented to JetBlue for its broad effort to serve people with disabilities—at work and in the air. “Viscardi has noticed that JetBlue is paying attention to supporting career opportunities for people with disabilities and providing an excellent Customer experience to people with disabilities,” said Viscardi Chief Development Officer Lauren Marzo.
