JOIN A YOUTH PROGRAM Welcome future aviators and aviatrixes to the NW Aviation Conference’ we are
glad you are here because, yes, you are the future of aviation and without your interest in airplanes and flying – we have no future! Kids, 17 and under, please enjoy free admission to the event – If you’d like to lean more about a career in aviation be sure to check out the Career Forum hosted and moderated by John Swedburg, retired professor from Big Bend Community College. This forum is appropriate for high school students wanted to learn more about career options as well as graduated or transitioning career individuals. Attend the workshop either Saturday or Sunday to get all your questions answered! Aviation Youth Programs (AOPA Flight Training compiled list) You Can Fly AOPA’s You Can Fly High School Initiative supports aviation science, technology, engineering, and math programs with a forum to share ideas and best practices, the development of aviation STEM curricula, free consultation to schools, scholarship and grant support, and more. To learn more about the AOPA You Can Fly program be sure to attend the AOPA High Schools Initiative session hosted by Steve Bateman, at 3:30 PM, Saturday, February 25 in the Heritage Room.
Young Eagles Founded in 1992, the Experimental Aviation Association’s Young Eagles program gives children age 8 through 17 their first free ride in an airplane. It is reportedly the only program of its kind, with its sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. To date, the Young Eagles program has flown more than two million children with the help of EAA’s network of volunteers. www.eaa.org Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program The Civil Air Patrol was formed during the early days of World War II; an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP was founded December 1, 1941, to protect the nation’s shorelines from marauding German U-boats. The CAP Cadet Program is a year-round program where cadets fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape, and push themselves. Cadets must be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old. Cadets meet two hours per week and one Saturday per month, on average, and have opportunities to attend leadership encampments, career academies, and other activities during the summer. www.gocivilairpatrol.com 37
Scouting The Boy Scouts have an aviation merit badge and the Girl Scouts emphasize STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs. Both organizations are committed to building self-esteem and exposing kids to life’s opportunities so an interest in aviation will be met with enthusiasm. In the Boy Scout merit badge program, scouts learn how an aircraft works, how to preflight and plan routes, and the types of aviation professionals, as well as strive to accomplish goals such as a flight in a general aviation aircraft or a visit to an airport or FAA facility or maintenance shop. Aviation Exploring, an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America, introduces youth age 14 to 20 to aviation careers. www.scouting.org www.girlscouts.org www.hillier.org www.exploring.org/aviation