Enrollment is now open for Women in Aviation’s Sixth Annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD).
This year, the events will be virtual through the new Aviation For Girls app, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force. And instead of one day, the events will go year round, according to association officials.
Available to all kids between the ages of 8 and 17 — boys and girls — interested in aviation/aerospace and STEM, the app is the tool WAI will use to deliver content and resources for its annual Girls in Aviation Day, including career videos, virtual museum tours, scholarship information, hands-on activities, book readings in multiple languages, as well as digital issues of Aviation for Girls magazine.
While the app is available now to download, the content will be launched on the official Girls in Aviation Day, Sept. 26, 2020.
“WAI is thrilled to connect with girls all year, without geographic constraints, and on their schedule, through our virtual experience delivered in the Aviation for Girls App,” says WAI CEO Allison McKay. “WAI will continue our expanding program of encouraging and inspiring girls — no matter where they live or learn — all-year-round with a continuously growing library of content that is key to the GIAD experience. We’re grateful that the U.S. Air Force values the importance of Girls in Aviation Day and has partnered with us to help launch the Aviation for Girls App, allowing us to bring the world of aviation to so many all over the world.”
The U.S. Air Force understands the importance of inspiring girls at a young age, according to Lt. Col. Annie Driscoll, commander of AFRS’ Detachment 1.
“Since gender roles start influencing children as young as age 4, it’s important to begin inspiring girls at a young age, and our sponsorship of the 6th Annual Girls in Aviation Day is a great way to do that,” Driscoll said. “Women are underrepresented in the rated careers in the Air Force, and in aviation in general, and with our partnership with Women in Aviation International we hope to change that. We want to help all girls aim high!”
Girls and boys using the app will qualify to apply for WAI 2021 scholarships, and will receive monthly WAI Connect eNewsletters, and the digital version of Aviation for Women magazine.
To enjoy the full GIAD experience, while supplies last, WAI is offering free kits to participants, featuring a backpack filled with a sticker, key chain, glitter tattoo, bandana, Aviation for Girls 2020, and a sectional chart. Additionally, GIAD T-shirts for adults and children and caps are available for a small cost.
Enroll today and sign up here for free kit while supplies last.
To download the free app from the App Store, Google Play, and other devices, including Blackberry and Windows, click here.
Why does it say “boys and girls” when this is meant to be an exclusive, overtly sexist program for girls only? I do like that all-pink theme though – that’s very pretty.
Women in Aviation is open to both men and women, boys and girls, but they do focus on growing the participation of women and girls in aviation. Frankly, it’s more regrettable that they are relying on the stereotypical pink and glitter approach.
Amy, I totally agree with your “stereotypical pink & glitter” comment. My first reaction was, “Yikes! REALLY?? Shocking pink??” For me, if anything is sexist, it’s the pink!
As for membership, isn’t Women In Aviation the founding organization? A few decades back, I belonged. Back then, there were programs aimed at helping girls, specifically, realize and attain goals in aviation…as per their website today: “We provide year-round resources to assist women in aviation and to encourage young women to consider aviation as a career.” So Girls in Aviation is a natural sponsorship…a mentor program. I do not find it sexist. Besides, why would boys join a group called Girls in Aviation? Or wear the bling? 🙂