There is a notorious lack of diversity in the aviation industry, but this man is using his passion for flying to encourage youngsters to pursue their dreams – no matter their race.

According to a 2017 census from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 7% of US pilots and flight engineers are people of color, while only 3% are African-American.

So as a means of being a positive role model for kids who face the same cultural difficulties as himself, Jerome Stanislaus gives free flights and mentorship to children – particularly kids of color.

Photo by Fly for the Culture

"I told myself that I would probably never be a pilot because I actually never saw a pilot that looked like myself," Stanislaus told CBS News.

"[But now,] I love it, I really do. I really want to be able to make a difference and this is how I do it," he added. "It's like my purpose."

Stanislaus's labor of love first started last year when he began working with a nonprofit called Fly for the Culture.