Boeing’s Liftoff for Learning: Nurturing Education Through Generosity

Bernice Billups finds immense satisfaction in distributing free school supplies to children. During one such event, a young girl approached to thank her with a handshake, and Billups expressed, “This handshake and hug, you can’t pay for that.”

Second-grader Ar’Nia, from Aspire Academy, joyfully drew a picture of her dog beside her new, fully-stocked backpack. This scene unfolded during the Boeing Liftoff for Learning event at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana Tolleston Opportunity Campus in Gary, Indiana, on September 3, 2026. Part of Boeing’s annual employee-driven community program, the giveaway equips students with essential supplies for the school year.

Billups, executive director of Boeing space advocacy and global engagement, visits the John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club in Gary annually. “I’ve been with Boeing 25 years. This is the absolute best part of my job,” she stated. The Liftoff for Learning program sees employees donate money, matched by Boeing, for school supplies.

This initiative raised funds for composition books, notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks, folders, backpacks, and more, benefiting 750 children in Gary and Chicago. Billups assured, “Every school supply you can think of, we’re supplying.” Boeing has supported this drive for over four decades. “Wherever Boeing has a presence, we are supporting students in that community,” she remarked.

Following the August 11 derecho, which left Gary residents without power for weeks, Billups shared, “It just warms my heart to be able to do something like this.” The Boys & Girls Club, part of the Tolleston Opportunity Campus along with the Gary YMCA and a Methodist Hospitals clinic, has expanded, much to Billups’ admiration.

During the event, she praised the city of Gary and contributing companies and organizations, saying, “You don’t see this every day.” The facility boasts a Boeing STEM lab with donated aircraft materials for learning.

Youth present for the school supply giveaway shared their gratitude. Sharaya, 13, who had her previous backpack stolen, expressed, “I’m really grateful.” Lamiah, also 13, needed the supplies and aspires to become a hairstylist and nail technician. Sharaya dreams of opening a child care center and attending a university supporting Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission of empowering black women.

J’Priest, 7, enjoyed receiving the supplies, with recess being his favorite school activity. Sara Velasques, from the Boeing facility at Gary/Chicago International Airport, noted, “This helps,” especially after the derecho. Boeing employees find the children’s enthusiasm contagious.

Mike Jessen, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, emphasized the importance of community support through donations of time, talent, or supplies.