WAI To Host 9th Annual Girls In Aviation Day

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is set to host its 9th Annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) on Sept. 23. Designed to introduce girls ages 8 to 18 to aviation and aerospace, GIAD events are put on by WAI chapters and corporate members worldwide. The organization estimates that more than 150 individual events will take place this year with around 30,000 young people participating.

“Thanks to the generous support of our partners, Women in Aviation International has significantly expanded this one-day event to reach girls interested in aviation and aerospace year-round through our Aviation for Girls program,” said WAI interim CEO Stephanie Kenyon. “As a part of this comprehensive youth STEM education program, we launched 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.”

2023 GIAD events will include opportunities to meet female role models, career panels and exploring airplanes and airports along with activities such as sectional chart scavenger hunts and learning about aircraft engines and avionics with maintenance technicians. WAI noted that it is also continuing to offer virtual resources, activities, information and instructional videos through its free Aviation for Girls app. Last year, over 120 GIAD events took place, reaching more than 16,000 participants in 19 countries.