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Southwest Airlines Community

Inspiring Students to Pursue Their Passions

ssteinmann
Employee
Employee

Southwest Airlines is proud to inspire students of all ages to pursue their passions. From our career exploration guide to our high school and college internships, we strive to provide career awareness and opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience in the aviation industry. November 8 is National STEM/STEAM Day and to celebrate, we’re highlighting some programs and events that educate and encourage the next generation of aviators.

 

Girls in Aviation

In September, we supported Girls in Aviation Day events in more than 20 Southwest cities across the country. The non-profit organization, Women in Aviation International (WAI), first launched Girls in Aviation Day in 2015. Since then, WAI chapters throughout the world host events to introduce young students to career possibilities and role models within the aviation and aerospace industries. Students can participate in hands-on educational activities and interact with inspiring industry professionals who represent many different career paths. We want students of all ages to picture themselves working within the aviation industry, including roles in Flight Operations, Ground Operations, Inflight Operations, Technical Operations, and more.

  Students at Girls in Aviation Day Pose in the Photobook.JPG

 

Aviation Day

Year-round we organize many programs and events that expose the next generation to join a career field in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Most recently, we hosted Aviation Day events this fall in Denver and Dallas for more than 100 third through eighth grade students. Both events provided opportunities for students to build a preflight checklist; try their hand at landing an aircraft in a flight simulator; and learn about various career paths in aviation. It’s a great opportunity to discover different career opportunities in the aviation industry and participate in activities to understand how their skills and interests can relate to an aviation-related career.

 

Students Participating in Denver Aviation Day Activity.jpg

 

Adopt-A-Pilot

We also have our award-winning Adopt-A-Pilot program, which connects Southwest Pilots with classrooms to engage students in fun, aviation-related lessons that define a plan for future success and spark an interest in careers in aviation. Since 1997, the Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot program has inspired more than 566,000 fifth-grade students across the country through fun, STEM-centered activities and experiments! Check out the Adopt-a-Pilot video to discover how the program mentorships can help your student or child take flight into a STEM career.

 

 

Internships

For older students, Southwest offers high school and college internships. The program provides students with firsthand experience in a variety of departments and a chance to develop professional skills all while experiencing our Southwest Culture. It's never too late to join STEM! Visit our Campus Reach page to learn how to join the Southwest Family as an Intern.

 

Southwest Airlines High School Interns Post with Southwest Pilots .jpg

 

Are you interested in learning more about exciting opportunities to connect students to the aviation industry? Visit our Kindergarten – 12th grade resource page and complete the parent and educator interest form. We’ll contact you about upcoming opportunities for your child or student!