WAI Launches 8th Annual Girls in Aviation Day
Chapters and Corporate Members to Host Events Worldwide
July 23, 2022 – Thousands of girls, ages 8-17, around the world on September 24 will be able to experience the 8th Annual Girls in Aviation Day in their local communities through unique events hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI) Chapters and Corporate Members. WAI will continue to offer additional virtual resources, activities, information, and instructional videos via the free Aviation for Girls App.
Already nearly 50 events are planned for airports, FBOs, museums, hangars across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Girls will be introduced to the career and lifestyle possibilities in aviation and aerospace through meeting female role models, career panels, exploring airplanes and airports, and a host of hands-on, fun and educational activities ranging from a sectional chart scavenger hunt, to exploring the Moon and Mars exploration sites, to learning about aircraft engines and avionics with maintenance technicians.
To enjoy the full GIAD experience, while supplies last, WAI event hosts will offer free merchandise kits to participants featuring a GIAD backpack filled with a sticker, key chain, glitter tattoo, bandana, Aviation for Girls2022, and an aviation sectional chart. Additionally, GIAD T-shirts for adults and children, and caps are available for a small cost. Kids who don’t have access to an in-person event near them can also order a free GIAD kit, while supplies last, here: https://wai-store.org/girls-in-aviation-day-2022/
“Thanks to the generous support of a $1 million grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, WAI has a multi-year strategic plan to significantly expand this one-day event to reach girls interested in aviation and aerospace year-round,” says WAI CEO Allison McKay. “This support has enabled WAI to launch a new, free Junior Membership for girls and boys 18 years and younger so they can enjoy all the WAI benefits and resources, including the ability to apply for up to three WAI scholarships. We know Girls in Aviation Day has been instrumental in introducing opportunities in aviation and STEM to thousands of participants as well as their parents, caregivers, and school teachers.”
“WAI is uniquely positioned to introduce girls to role models in all areas of aviation – drone & aircraft pilots, air traffic controllers, astronauts, mechanics, engineers, technicians, designers and much more,” adds WAI Director of Member Engagement Molly Martin. “The success stories from previous Girls in Aviation Day events have inspired us to expand the reach and longevity of the program, with a goal not just to light the spark of interest in aviation and aerospace, but to help girls keep the fire of interest burning year-round.”
New for 2022, WAI will launch the all-new Aviation for Girls App designed specifically for an educational and engaging experience. This new app will feature a broad range of content, video, activities, virtual tours, interviews, scholarship information, book readings in multiple languages, as well as all of the digital issues of Aviation for Girls magazine. And despite the name, all kids, regardless of gender, are welcome to participate. The Aviation for Girls App will be available for free all across the globe.
To find a GIAD event near you, click here: https://www.wai.org/find-your-local-giad-2022-event. Additional information and updates about Girls in Aviation Day is available at https://www.wai.org/giad.
About Girls in Aviation Day: Since WAI’s first annual international Girls in Aviation Day in 2015, the annual WAI event has grown every year since its first gathering of 32 events and 3,200 participants. In 2019, GIAD met more than 20,000 attendees participating in 119 events in 18 countries. In 2020––owing to COVID-19––WAI launched version 1 of the Aviation for Girls App with hours of educational content reaching thousands of girls from more than 60 countries. Last year’s GIAD reached nearly 10,000 participants at 85 individual events presented worldwide. While a majority of events were held in person, many were organized for virtual gatherings through the use of the AFG App and additional video content.
Many thanks to our 2022 Girls in Aviation Day partners, without whom this incredible program would not be possible. PREMIER – United Airlines CONTRIBUTING – ISTAT Foundation, SkyWest Airlines, Sporty’s Pilot Shop, U.S. Air Force SUPPORTING – Alaska Airlines, GE Aviation, Lycoming Engines ADDITIONAL – Baylor Institute for Air Science, Collins Aerospace, Emanual Bachmann Foundation, JCL Aviation Services