Students of P.S. 5 in Bed-Stuy have been hard at work all year, and on Thursday, News 12 joined the staff to take a look at some of the programs the school is offering to help their kids succeed and prepare for different career paths.  

The elementary school students use flight simulators to provide a real-life piloting experience without them ever having to leave the ground.  

"I like it because I want to find out what it feels like to be in a plane, I want to find out how to study a plane, how to fix or drive a plane,” said one excited student.  

The young pilots are getting hands-on experience not only in aviation, but a number of other careers, stemming from math and science to urban farming. For principal Lena Gates, these programs are essential for prepping her students for the future.  

"At this age they're soaking up everything… if you give it to them now, it might be something that they look at down the line,” said Gates.  “If the schools don't provide the students with that opportunity to use simulators to fly, then they may never think that that's an opportunity for them." 

Fifth-grader Clinton Steele says his STEM classes are helping him prepare for a future career in the gaming industry.  

“I want to become a game designer or a scientist and I feel like 3-D modeling is going to help a lot,” said Steele.  

Students take their hands and planting fruits and vegetables to use for their cooking program, and they’re even planning to open up their very own restaurant at the school next year. Staff members say they’re excited to help these bright students and give them the tools they need for whatever future they want.