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Aviation Career Day 2025 for Partners In Flight

October 6, 2025

Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals

Aviation Career Day is an exciting annual event designed to introduce middle and high school students across the DFW area to the dynamic world of aviation. Hosted by American Airlines, this immersive experience brings together over 800 students for hands-on career exploration activities, industry insights, and meaningful connections with aviation professionals.

Whether students dream of becoming pilots, engineers, flight attendants, or working behind the scenes to keep the skies moving, Aviation Career Day is a powerful opportunity to help them explore those possibilities—and see that a future in aviation is truly within reach.

Our Goals

We’re passionate about engaging students of all backgrounds. This event is designed to…
  • Create awareness and spark curiosity of aviation careers
  • Build student confidence through STEM-based, research-informed activities
  • Foster career identity by connecting students with real-world role models
  • Strengthen school-industry partnerships that prepare students for future success

What to Expect at Aviation Career Day

Our event is packed with engaging experiences designed to ignite passion and open doors for students exploring aviation careers:

Panel of Experts

Students will hear directly from inspiring aviation professionals who share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs—making it easier for students to envision themselves in similar roles.

Hands-On Activities

From flight simulations to engineering challenges, students will dive into interactive experiences that reveal their strengths and spark new interests.

Partners in Flight Booths

Local organizations and industry partners will be on-site to offer resources, mentorship opportunities, and clear pathways into aviation careers.

Engagement Passport

Students will receive a passport to guide their exploration throughout the event, encouraging active participation and rewarding curiosity with fun incentives.

Professional Attire Closet

To help level the playing field, students will have access to professional attire —removing barriers and boosting confidence as they take their first steps toward a future in aviation.

Tangible Impact

Aviation Career Day isn’t just an event—it’s a launchpad for future careers. Thanks to the support of our Partners in Flight, we’ve seen measurable outcomes that speak to the power of hands-on industry engagement.

40% of students report increased interest in pursuing a career in aviation after attending the event.

Through immersive experiences, real-world conversations, and direct exposure to aviation professionals, students leave inspired, informed, and energized about their future.

Here’s what past attendees had to say:

[museumwp_testimonials desc=”I enjoyed talking to each person about different aspects of the aviation industry—from cybersecurity and CPR safety to how an engine works. I loved the freedom to explore and discover activities on my own. It was a great learning experience, and I hope to go again sometime!”]
[museumwp_testimonials desc=”I loved my experience at Aviation Career Day. I learned a lot about different careers and the big roles women play in aviation. I got to see cool things—and even a whole airplane!”][museumwp_testimonials]
[museumwp_testimonials desc=”My favorite part was collecting stamps to win prizes and talking to people who do those jobs for a living. I loved flying the drone and the flight simulators too. I wish school was always like this.”]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the main points of contact for the event?

For time sensitive assistance, text the Education Cell Phone at 817-300-6872

• Event Coordination: Marie Eve P. Harris – marieeve.harris@aa.com
School Coordination: Jennifer Hartmann – jennifer.hartmann@aa.com
Day-of Check-In: Patricia Storie – patricia.storie@aa.com

What should I wear?

Uniforms and branded attire are encouraged. AA volunteers assigned to general logistics should wear a Do Crew t-shirt (we’ll order one if needed).

Where should I park?

Use the Museum lot, including blue spots marked “reserved Museum.” Overflow parking is available in the garage behind the Credit Union.

How do I enter the Museum?

The Museum opens at 7:30 a.m. Use the main doors to the left at the top of the stairs. Hangar doors will also be propped open after 7:30 a.m. if you have large items to carry into the space. A limited number of shared flatbeds will be available to help you carry items in.

Will food be provided?

Free lunch is available for partners and volunteers staying all day. Deadline to request lunch is November 3rd (see Attendance Confirmation Form – QR Code in “What to Submit” section).  Partners/volunteers who confirm their attendance past that date must bring their own lunch. Snacks will be available in the volunteer rest area. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle. Please also note that only 30 minutes will separate the AM and the PM session. Partners will need to take turns eating lunch to ensure adequate booth coverage during the times where students are present.

Can I ship materials ahead of time?

Yes! Partners may ship swag and materials to the Museum up to 4 weeks before the event:

• Address: 4601 Hwy 360, Fort Worth, TX, 76155
• Attention: CR Smith Museum Education – Jennifer Hartmann

Please allow 5 business days (plus carrier transit time) for delivery to Education Staff.

Are there lodging options nearby?

Are there lodging options nearby?

Here are 3 hotels near the Museum:

Hotel Address Phone Link
Homewood Suites by Hilton DFW Airport 4600 Hwy 360, Fort Worth, TX 76155 (817) 283-7777 Hilton
Holiday Inn Dallas Fort Worth 14320 Center Station Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76155 (817) 399-1800 IHG
Springhill Suites DFW Airport 4360 Hwy 360, Fort Worth, TX 76155 (817) 545-3270 Marriott

What do I need to submit prior to the event?

ALL participants (including volunteers, Partners in Flight, Panel Speakers and Experts) must complete two things:

Volunteer Attendance Form (due no later than November 3rd)
Use this QR code to access the form:

Model Release form (due upon arrival at the Museum)
Make sure to print and fill out ahead of time for a faster check-in.

Click here for the model release form.

What do booth partners need to submit prior to the event?

Please make sure to confirm your attendance no later than October 14 by filling out the Booth Needs form

Screenshot

What do panel speakers need to submit?

Send in a short bio (200 words or less) and a headshot before October 14th. If you are using slides for your presentation, please send them via teams to Marie Eve Poirier BEFORE November 7th at midnight. Slides sent after that date will not be included in the presentation. 

What’s the event schedule?

AM Session

10:00–10:30 at Theater (115), Gallery/Hangar (345)
10:30–10:40 at Break
10:40–11:10 at Theater (115), Gallery/Hangar (345)
11:10–11:20 at Break
11:20–11:50 at Theater (115), Gallery/Hangar (345)
12:00 Departure

PM Session

12:30–1:00 at Theater (115), Gallery/Hangar (345)
1:00–1:10 at Break
1:10–1:40 at Theater (115), Gallery/Hangar (345)
1:40–1:50 at Break
1:50–2:20 at Theater (115), Gallery/Hangar (345)
2:30 Departure

What is the Student Passport activity?

Students will collect stamps or signatures by engaging with aviation professionals. Encourage them to complete a task (trivia, hands-on activity, game, etc.) before stamping. AA workgroups will be provided stamps; Partners in Flight are encouraged to bring their own.

A signature can also be used in lieu of a stamp.

Can I donate items or swag?

Yes! Swag distribution is allowed during the event. We welcome in-kind donations for larger prizes (e.g., free discovery flights). Donations valued at $1,000+ receive premium booth placement. We’re also collecting new or gently used professional attire for students.

What are the key deadlines?

Date Task
Sept 8 or 16 Info Session Meeting (both sessions are the same)
Oct 13 or 14 Know Before You Go (both sessions are the same)
Oct 14 Confirm participation (booths, panels, AA workgroups) – use QR code
Oct 14–31 Ship materials to Museum
Nov 3 Confirm attendance (all – includes lunch request) – use QR code
Nov 7 Deadline for Panel Speakers to send slides
Nov 14 Event Day

Know Before You Go

Attend these sessions for in-depth logistical information for the Career Day 2025 events as a Partner In Flight.

October 13, 10:00-11:00 a.m. (CDT)

Join via Microsoft Teams:
https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting

Meeting ID: 297 051 425 587
Passcode: Gn9L4AN7

— or —

October 14, 2:30-3:30 p.m. (CDT)

Join via Microsoft Teams:
https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting

Meeting ID: 225 237 191 688 9
Passcode: be32zS76

Aviation Career Day 2025 is supported in part by

American Airlines
Prime Air

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