Our big push is the EAA Young Eagle Program:
The Young Eagles program is a youth aviation education program that provides children and young adults between the ages of 8 and 17 with an opportunity to experience aviation firsthand through a free introductory flight. The program was launched in 1992 with the goal of inspiring young people to pursue careers in aviation and to promote an interest in aviation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields.
During a Young Eagles flight, a volunteer pilot will take the young person on a 20-30 minute flight in a general aviation aircraft. The flight typically includes a brief pre-flight briefing, where the pilot will explain the basics of flight and some of the aircraft's features, followed by a flight around the local area. The flight provides the young person with a unique perspective on aviation and an opportunity to experience the joy of flying.
After the flight, the young person receives a certificate of completion, a logbook, and the opportunity to become an official EAA Young Eagles member. They also gain access to a range of aviation resources and programs, including scholarships, mentorships, and other educational opportunities.
The EAA Young Eagles program is supported by a network of volunteer pilots, ground support personnel, and sponsors. Since the program's inception, over 2 million young people have participated in Young Eagles flights in more than 90 countries worldwide, making it the largest youth aviation education program in history.