Youngest Black Female Licensed Pilot, Now a College Sophomore at Just 17 Years Old

Kamora Freeland

Nationwide — Kamora Freeland, a 17-year-old African American teen from Staten Island, New York, made history as the youngest African-American female to earn a private pilot’s license last year. Now, she continues to break barriers by starting her sophomore year at Spelman College, an HBCU in Atlanta, skipping freshman year after earning college credits in high school.


Last year, Kamora made headlines after acing her check ride at Republic Airport in Long Island, earning her private pilot’s license at just 17. She said, “I love flying, and I have a passion for it. Plus, pilots can make up to $700,000, so that caught my attention, too. The next step is to become a commercial airline pilot.” 

Her academic journey is just as impressive. She skipped a year of high school while attending Kingsborough Early College Secondary School and Kingsborough Community College. Alongside her studies, she became a certified birthing doula and lifeguard. Her hard work earned her the Presidential Scholarship at Spelman and a spot in the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program.


Although Kamora was once focused on becoming a commercial pilot and even received an internship offer from NASA, she is now majoring in finance with a minor in entrepreneurship.

“Starting college as a sophomore has been a whirlwind of emotions — exciting, overwhelming, and liberating all at once,” Freeland told SI Live. “It’s like stepping into a whole new world where you’re figuring out who you are, balancing independence, and navigating friendships, academics, and late-night study sessions.”

For Kamora’s mother, Lakema Freeland, seeing her daughter start college as a sophomore is a proud but “bittersweet moment.” She said, “I’m so proud of her for taking that big step, but my heart aches knowing the house is a little quieter without her laughter. It’s a mix of excitement for her future and the longing to hold on to the moments we’ve shared.”