Long Beach Airport launches third annual Careers Taking Flight externship

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Long Beach Airport launches third annual Careers Taking Flight externship

Airports

Cynthia Guidry Director of Long Beach Airport | City of Long Beach

By Sky Industry News

Jun 24, 2025

Long Beach Airport has commenced the third year of its Careers Taking Flight externship program, designed to provide high school students with practical exposure to aviation careers. The initiative connects students directly with industry professionals and employers.

Mayor Rex Richardson stated, "Careers Taking Flight continues to uplift and empower our youth, while deepening Long Beach’s proud connection to the aviation industry." He emphasized the program's role in helping students envision themselves in well-paying, in-demand professions.

The weeklong externship is conducted in partnership with Long Beach Unified School District. It offers two cohorts of 12 students from Cabrillo and Jordan high schools a 40-hour immersive experience. This includes behind-the-scenes tours, career panels, and interactive sessions with airport tenants, aviation companies, federal agencies, and airline partners.

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Students are chosen through a competitive application process. In its third year, over 150 students applied for the opportunity. Participants who complete the externship receive a $500 incentive. The program also allows participants to further their aviation career preparation; two graduates from previous cohorts are currently summer interns at LGB.

Airport Director Cynthia Guidry remarked on the positive response to the program: “I’m proud that Long Beach Airport continues to invest in future leaders and open doors to exciting career paths in aviation.” She credited partner support for making the initiative possible.

Partners involved include Aeroplex/Aerolease Group, Atlantic Aviation, CLEAR, Delta Air Lines, FAA, FlightSafety International, Hawaiian Airlines, JetZero, Long Beach Aero, OCR Aviation, Sling Pilot Academy, SoCal Jet Services, Southwest Airlines and TSA.

On the final day of the program, students participate in exploration flights through Chapter Seven of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program. This introduces them to flying in a general aviation aircraft.

Dr. Jill A. Baker from Long Beach Unified School District expressed pride in partnering with LGB: “Programs like this help students explore real careers and envision what’s possible.”

The externship is part of LGB's broader effort to inspire future aviation professionals through various programs from grade school outreach to college fellowships. Additionally, LGB hosts free tours for around 2,000 public members annually.

This initiative aligns with Long Beach's Strategic Plan for Youth and Emerging Adults focusing on academic enrichment and workforce development. It is one among many summer activities fostering positive youth development under the City’s Summer of Opportunity initiative.

Long Beach Airport spans 1,166 acres featuring three runways and offers nonstop service nationwide through Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines.