In partnership with Women in Aviation International (WAI), Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Worldwide U.S. Military Campuses in PACOM and Europe celebrated Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) for the fourth year in a row throughout September, inspiring youth aged 4-18 to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace through a series of engaging, hands-on, aviation focused events.

In its 11th year, GIAD continues to expand its global footprint. Since 2024, WAI events have reached over 30,000 participants in more than 35 countries, with over 165 individual events hosted by WAI chapters and partners around the world. Since its inception in 2015, the event has inspired over 150,000 youngsters to experience the magic of aviation and aerospace globally. This year’s events inspired over 250 participants and were supported by Embry-Riddle international campus teams on overseas military installations throughout Germany, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

Since 2022, Embry-Riddle’s overseas campuses have collaborated with military volunteers, current students and alumni to bring interactive tours and demonstrations to inspire a future generation of pilots, maintainers, engineers and aviation enthusiasts. GIAD has become an annual tradition for Embry-Riddle’s international locations and the communities they serve.

WAI provided participants with a variety of fun, aviation-themed resources and materials to help inspire youth to pursue careers in aviation and STEM. Each participant in a WAI-supported GIAD event received a special goodie bag filled with aviation resources and much more. WAI also supports over 16,000 members worldwide and has awarded over $15 million dollars in scholarships to date.

“The events are not just about showcasing the latest and greatest in aviation technology,” said Hayley Yamanaka, executive director of PACOM Campus Operations. “They build confidence, curiosity and a passion for STEM in kids who may have never imagined themselves in a flight suit or working with complex machinery. We thank all our dedicated volunteers and team members for ensuring children on military installations overseas have as many opportunities as possible to realize their dreams.”

At Yokota AB, the Embry-Riddle team partnered with the Yokota Aero Club hangar and set up multiple aviation-themed discovery stations for children and family members to explore. Over 70 participants had the opportunity to watch various aircraft take off, as well as take part in an aviation-themed scavenger hunt, carefully designed for children to interact with pilots and observe aircraft up close. The youngest aviators designed their own paper rockets and foam airplanes, while learning fun facts about the different components. A professional photographer volunteered his time to capture all the special moments.

The Embry-Riddle team at NAF Atsugi and Yokosuka NB teamed up with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM)-51 to tour the hangar and each maintenance shop and learn about the inner workings of a high-tech maintenance shop directly from the aircrew of HSM-51. Children were even able to ride the rescue basket system. Over 100 participants joined the event from around mainland Japan and more than 35 volunteers assisted in making the event memorable for all.  

At Camp Humphreys, participants went behind the scenes in an Army super hangar and got up close to multiple powerful aircraft, including a Blackhawk, Chinook, and Apache, under the guidance of dedicated volunteer, Warrant Officer Chu. Military youth learned directly from elite Army pilots and crew chiefs on how missions are kept on point, insights into aviation careers, and detailed explanations of the aircraft, instruments, and key mission objectives. The children had an opportunity to walk inside and sit in the cockpit.

The Misawa Campus collaborated with the School Age Care Facility to take the youngest aviators inside the world of the Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels. Children were able to experience the precision flying, teamwork, and dedication required, making for an educational and inspiring experience for all participants.

“Our mission is to ignite the dreams of military-connected children worldwide,” said Jim Pepin, vice chancellor of Student Success Operations. “Embry-Riddle is proud to support the next generation of aviators and innovators, ensuring that no matter where families are stationed, opportunities in aviation and STEM are within reach.”

Embry-Riddle continues to support future aviators across the globe, especially those in military families who face unique challenges living overseas. By bringing aviation to military bases worldwide, students can access high-quality STEM and aviation experiences matter where families are stationed.

Embry‑Riddle will continue hosting aviation-focused events for kids throughout the coming months at many international campuses in Europe and the Pacific. The tours and interactive activities are designed to introduce youth to the many opportunities in aviation, aerospace, and STEM fields. Families are encouraged to contact their local Embry‑Riddle Campus for details on upcoming events and how to participate.

Learn more about Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Military Locations, Programs, and Support Services.