Partners providing tours or guest speakers include Aeroplex/Aerolease Group, Atlantic Aviation, Delta Air Lines, the FAA, FlightSafety International, Fly Compton Foundation, Hawaiian Airlines, JetZero, Long Beach Aero, SoCal Jet Services, Southwest Airlines and TSA.
In collaboration with the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), students were selected through a competitive application and interview process. Those who completed the full course received a $500 incentive payment.
Two graduates from last year's externship program were chosen this year for a full summer internship to serve as leaders for the next cohort and learn more about airport operations. LBUSD funds these internships.
“Long Beach Unified is thrilled to partner with Long Beach Airport for the Careers Taking Flight Externship Program,” said Superintendent Dr. Jill A. Baker. “This initiative provides our students with invaluable exposure to the aviation industry and equips them with skills and knowledge to pursue exciting career opportunities.”
Participants also received a free exploration flight on the final day through Chapter Seven of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program. Since 1992, this program has given over two million young people ages 8 to 17 an opportunity to fly in general aviation airplanes.
The summer externship is part of Long Beach Airport’s Careers Taking Flight suite of programs designed to provide students from grade school to college with opportunities to understand careers within aviation as well as general knowledge about LGB and its industry partners.
“I’m so proud of how Long Beach Airport showcases diverse career pathways within aviation and opens up opportunities for future professionals,” said Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “I’m also grateful to our partners for their participation in helping us inspire and empower the next generation of aviation leaders.”
The Careers Taking Flight program aligns with goals outlined in Long Beach’s Racial Equity and Reconciliation Initiative aimed at eliminating social and economic disparities in communities most impacted by racism. It also supports goals of the City’s Strategic Plan for Youth and Emerging Adults focused on academic and job training needs of youth.
LGB spans 1,166 acres with three runways. It features Class A office buildings, hotels, retail spaces, industrial facilities and a municipal golf course. Air carriers at LGB—including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines—currently offer service to 24 nonstop destinations nationwide.
About Long Beach
Located along Southern California's coast with approximately 466,000 residents, Long Beach offers metropolitan amenities while maintaining diverse neighborhoods and community spirit. The city features scenic beaches; tourist attractions like Queen Mary; Aquarium of the Pacific; award-winning Convention Center; world-class Port; among others.
For more information visit longbeach.gov or follow on Facebook,X Instagram YouTube More information about LGB is available at lgb.org or on Facebook Instagram X @LGBAirport
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