Ida Van Smith was an African-American pilot and flight instructor who founded a series of flight training clubs for children to encourage their involvement in aviation and aerospace sciences.

Smith worked as a history and special education teacher until the age of 50 when she fulfilled her dream of learning to fly. After gaining her private pilot’s license and instructor rating, Smith founded the Ida Van Smith Flight Club on Long Island, New York which introduced thousands of children aged three through nineteen to careers in aviation and space.

In 1984, Smith became the first African-American woman to be inducted into the International Forest of Friendship. Following her induction, she sponsored the inductions of Bessie Coleman and Janet Harmon Bragg.