Baylor Institute for Air Science Partners with Women in Aviation International to Provide Free Virtual Experiences for Girls Around the World

Media Contact: Eric Eckert, Baylor University Media and Public Relations, 254-710-1964
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by Cerenity Austin, student news writer, Baylor University Media and Public Relations

WACO, Texas (Sept. 25, 2020) — Baylor University’s Institute for Air Science has partnered with Women in Aviation International (WAI), a nonprofit organization that provides networking, mentoring and scholarships to women and men pursuing careers in aviation or aerospace, to sponsor the 6th Annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) event virtually on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Girls ages 8 to 17 around the world are welcome to attend the event and will have access to virtual resources including career information, virtual museum tours, hand-on activities and more. WAI will bring virtual experiences to attendees through the launch of its Aviation for Girls App, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force.

“Girls in Aviation Day is an event that can help us close the gender gap in aviation,” said Trey Cade, Ph.D., director of the Baylor Institute of Air Science. “The aviation industry, and especially the pilot profession, is a historically male-dominated field, and this event is an opportunity to change that. We are excited to be able to partner with Women in Aviation International and provide opportunities to encourage and inspire young girls to pursue careers in aviation.”

Since the founding of GIAD in 2015, the program has grown every year, and last year, WAI accommodated more than 20,000 attendees from 18 countries who participated in 119 events.

“WAI is thrilled to connect with girls all year, without geographic constraints and on their schedules, through our virtual experience delivered in the Aviation for Girls App,” said 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.”

WAI members represent various ages, careers, ethnicities and gender identities to support and educate anyone passionate about aviation sciences.

“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,” said Lt. Col. Annie Driscoll, commander of AFRS’ Detachment 1. “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.”

This event, including STEM resources and merchandise kits, is brought to girls and boys across the world for free to provide greater access for those interested in a career in aviation or aerospace.

“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,” McKay said.

For more information on GIAD, WAI and registration, visit the Girls in Aviation Day website.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 18,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT THE BAYLOR INSTITUTE FOR AIR SCIENCE
The Baylor Institute for Air Science at Baylor University offers the Aviation Sciences program, consisting of Professional Pilot and Aviation Administration degree options. For the Professional Pilot option, flight training includes a Private Pilot’s license, Instrument rating, Commercial license, Multi-Engine rating, and Certified Flight Instructor certification. The Baylor Institute for Air Science has worked since 1991 to educate a new generation of dedicated aviation professionals and conduct research to advance our understanding of the aerospace environment.