High school students in Long Beach with eyes on the skies are getting a unique chance to dive into the world of aviation thanks to the Long Beach Airport's "Careers Taking Flight" externship program. In its third year, the program offers a weeklong, hands-on experience, introducing teens to a career path that's often underrepresented in school career counseling. According to the City of Long Beach, the initiative aligns with the city's strategic plans to foster youth development and workforce readiness.
Mayor Rex Richardson spoke to the value of the program in building up young talent. "Careers Taking Flight continues to uplift and empower our youth, while deepening Long Beach’s proud connection to the aviation industry," he said in a statement. With more than 150 applicants vying for a spot, the competitive program selects two cohorts of 12 students from Cabrillo and Jordan high schools for a glimpse behind the airport's curtain. Each participant is compensated with a $500 incentive after completing the externship.
This year's program includes tours, career panels, and interactive sessions with major players in the aviation field such as Delta Air Lines, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Transportation Security Administration. Students have the unique opportunity to rub shoulders with professionals and gain insights that go beyond the classroom. The initiative, conducted in partnership with Long Beach Unified School District, opens doors for several of these students to consider internships and further career preparation with the Long Beach Airport.
A component of the program that often ignites the students' passion is the opportunity for exploration flights, a collaboration with the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program. "The response to this program has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m proud that Long Beach Airport continues to invest in future leaders and open doors to exciting career paths in aviation," explained Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. She also emphasized the positive reception of the program and its role in investing in future industry leaders.
The Careers Taking Flight externship is just one slice of Long Beach Airport's comprehensive efforts to seed the future of aviation expertise. The broader initiative includes grade school outreach and college fellowships, hosting an average of 2,000 public members for airport tours annually, and fostering interest in aviation from a young age. These programs are pivotal during Long Beach's "Summer of Opportunity," a city-wide effort to engage youth in constructive and educational activities.
