WAI chapters around the globe organize unique local events
Women in Aviation International has declared September 26, 2015, as Girls in Aviation Day where WAI chapters around the world will host their own one-day event to attract more young women to the aviation and aerospace communities with a day of activities appealing to girls ages 8 to 16 years of age. This program is an outgrowth of the successful Girls in Aviation Day events held during the past three International Women in Aviation Conferences.
"Since each WAI chapter has different resources, locales, and experts, we are relying on each chapter to organize its own local event for September 26," says WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. "We have supplied our chapters with some basic materials and ideas and they have delighted us with their plans."
WAI has nearly 100 chapters worldwide which are planning Girls in Aviation Day events. For example:
Central Florida Chapter is planning its event at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Their plan is to have a busload of girls from middle school to high school given an insider's tour of the airport along with other activities. Permission from the airport has been received, and an airport representative is working on plans with the chapter to ensure an informative and fun day.
Middle Tennessee State University Chapter is combining Girls in Aviation Day with the Expanding Your Horizons program, a 40-year old program whose mission is to inspire girls to recognize their potential and pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The chapter anticipates hosting 300 girls.
Northern Spirit/Winnipeg, Canada Chapter is hosting its Girls in Aviation Day at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. In addition to other activities, the chapter is planning to have "Career Stations" throughout the museum where girls can stop and learn about each of the different aviation careers. A volunteer will be at each career station to offer an "experience."
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University/Prescott Chapter has reached out to ERAU's Diversity Center, the local Society for Women Engineers (SWE) chapter, and their Women's Ambassador Program to create a day where girls can tour the school and the flight line and experience a series of interactive presentations and activities, such as flying simulators, model airplane building and Q&A sessions with current students.
Stars of the North/Minneapolis Chapter is teaming up with EAA's Young Eagles and AirSpace Minnesota. The Young Eagles program will provide airplane rides. AirSpace Minnesota has a hangar at a local airport that has an aviation learning center to teach the girls the basics of a traffic pattern, explain different careers within aviation and tell fun stories to engage the girls.
"Our members enthusiastically support the Girls in Aviation Day program," adds Chabrian. "What's more, there is strength in numbers, and we are delighted to join forces with other groups and organizations whose goals align with ours."
As part of the Girls in Aviation Day activities, the chapters will receive a copy of Aviation for Girls magazine to distribute to their Girls in Aviation Day participants. This magazine includes information about scholarship opportunities, aviation and aerospace colleges and universities, feature articles showcasing role models and articles to position aviation as an exciting career and lifestyle.
More information on Girls in Aviation Day, September 26, 2015, including information about other local chapter events, can be found at www.wai.org
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Women in Aviation, International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing networking, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for women and men who are striving for challenging and fulfilling careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, contact WAI at 3647 State Route 503 South, West Alexandria, OH 45381, Phone (937) 839-4647; Fax (937) 839-4645 or through www.wai.org.
Note to Editors: The 27th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee from March 10-12, 2016. For more information, visit www.wai.org.
Contact:
Molly Martin, Outreach Director
Women in Aviation International
850-508-8769 Phone
mmartin@wai.org