At FlyteCo Brewery, education may not be our core business, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make an impact. So, why did it make sense for us to invest our time and resources in this cause? The answer ties back to our commitment to increasing access and equity—specifically, in aviation—and how that naturally aligns with education.
Why Philanthropy is at FlyteCo’s Core
Our co-founder, Eric, began pursuing his pilot’s license early on but hit roadblocks along the way. It was a difficult journey, but he eventually completed it. That experience showed us how important it is to provide opportunities to those who face barriers in the aviation industry. At FlyteCo, part of our mission is to expand access to aspiring pilots and help solve the growing pilot shortage.
When we looked at education, we saw a similar need for access, equity, and support. While we may not be able to fix the education system, we realized we could do something meaningful within our own space. And so, we set out to support the people who have one of the toughest jobs out there—teachers.
The Creation of the Teacher Beer
This initiative didn’t require starting from scratch. We were introduced to PEBC by Ryan Frazier from 9News, who was interviewing both of our organizations around the same time. Over a beer (naturally), we sat down with PEBC’s President, Sue Sava, and discovered that our missions were more aligned than we thought.
At FlyteCo, we do what we do best: brew beer. So, we crafted the Hall Pass Hazy IPA as a tribute to teachers—an acknowledgment of the hard work they do every day. It’s our way of showing appreciation, knowing we can’t fix the system but can make teachers feel a little more valued.
What We’ve Learned & Looking Forward
Since launching the Hall Pass Hazy IPA, we’ve seen an incredible response. People are excited about this idea, and it’s sparked conversation about how businesses can stay true to their missions while supporting teachers. It’s shown us that businesses don’t need to step outside their comfort zones to make a difference—they just need to find creative ways to show appreciation.
Advice for Partnerships
For PEBC and school districts looking to partner with the business community, our advice is simple: find shared values. Businesses like ours want to help, but it has to feel authentic and aligned with what we already do. We can’t solve the teacher shortage alone, but we can bring people together to recognize and appreciate teachers for their vital work.
Where to Get the Hall Pass Hazy IPA
If you’re ready to enjoy a pint in honor of educators, the Hall Pass Hazy IPA is back on tap at both FlyteCo locations! This smooth, hoppy brew is the perfect way to beat the winter blues. Teachers and educational employees can even enjoy their first “Teacher Beer” for $2.00 as a special discount with your work ID.
Cheers to our teachers! 🍻
– by Morgan O’Sullivan, Co-Founder | FlyteCo Tower
