Year-Round Youth Programs

Inspiring the Next Generation to DREAM BIG

In the air, on the ground and throughout the year, the Capital Airshow Group showcases the power and magic of flight through a variety of programs and events designed to inspire young people. We are committed to delivering EDUCATION, EXPOSURE and ACCESS through a variety of exciting, year-round STEM, aviation, and aerospace education events that are sure to help our region’s future workforce take flight.

Since 2010, we have opened the hangar doors at Mather Airport to provide K-12 STEM learning experiences that feature unique assets, hands-on learning activities, role models and mentors capable of launching dreams into careers, and the chance for regional employers to join us in playing a key role in developing the future.

We are honored to offer experiential learning opportunities at no out-of-pocket cost to students with the goal of opening their eyes to the wonder and magic of STEM while lighting the path to find their passion and land in one of these rewarding career fields.

Check out some of our AWESOME events CCA:

‘A DAY AT THE AIRPORT’ – CAREER DAY FIELD TRIP SERIES

Kindergartners have the opportunity to explore the exciting jobs that our Mather Airport partners do each and every day. Students meet representatives that provide a brief overview of their important duties, take questions and allow our young guests to explore their unique vehicle or aircraft. The students rotate every 30 minutes to the next station and next profession. Students depart each field trip day with new and expanded understanding of what really happens inside the airport security gates AND what exciting career opportunities lie ahead for them at the airport!

‘POSITIVE ALTITUDE’

Each year, students from all over the Sacramento region enjoy an eye-opening afternoon of endless opportunity, inspiration and life-changing possibilities. Regional partners with colorful airplanes, helicopters, police and fire vehicles and more are eager to support this annual program by providing exciting and interactive experiences that expand a young person’s imagination and broaden their outlook on life, as well as their view of the world.

EXPLORE THE DRONE ZONE

Drones, aka unmanned aerial vehicles or UAV have entered the public conscious in a major way in recent years. This unique event educates attendees on many of the functions and abilities of drones and shares the capacities and benefits of drone technology by featuring companies whose futures and efficiencies are closely tied to drone technology and policy. Students from across the region engage in hands-on instruction, activities, and demonstrations by the leaders in this cutting-edge industry. With an expected $82 billion market on the near horizon and 100,000 U.S. job opportunities within the next 5 years, this event inspires the next generation to explore the endless career opportunities as well as rethink, reimagine and reinvent the future of UAV Technology.

GIRLS IN AVIATION DAY

Young women, ages 8-18, along with a parent/guardian have the chance to experience Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) hosted by the California Capital Airshow in partnership with Women in Aviation International. This annual event was a day full of immersion tours, with a NEW stop every 45 minutes. Each tour began with a brief introduction and career overview from the crew of the display, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of their exciting asset and time for ask-me-anything style questions. The last stop of the day landed at the Aviation Zone, ‘Where Dreams Take Flight’. This activity center staffed with role models offered the opportunity to learn about types of aircraft, flying, air traffic control, aviation history, to find out what’s next for them, and to have FUN while learning. As always with our student STEM programs, this is a FREE event for girls interested in learning more about what their future may look like in aviation, aerospace, or related career fields and find next steps.

Watch part of the most recent GIAD here

OPERATION #INSPIRETHEFUTURE TICKET INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Thanks to the City of Rancho Cordova, students from twenty local schools receive FREE General Admission family passes to the annual California Capital Airshow. These tickets were distributed to help ensure there are no barriers for Title I School students who want to attend the Airshow, an event filled with educational and inspirational opportunities. Each student earned a free ticket through academics or citizenship.

THE STEM EXPO

Local middle and high school students from select schools and community organizations are invited to participate in a panel discussion and breakout discussions with leaders from the nation’s top STEM and aviation companies. The event aims to inspire students to see what their future careers might look like in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, aviation and aerospace fields.

Check out recent STEM Expos here:

ACE ACADEMY

The ACE Academy is a five-day summer camp utilizing the power and magic of flight to inspire local students toward STEM and Aviation career fields. Mentors, role models, local youth clubs, and academic institutions provided career immersion tours and hands-on learning activities throughout the week with ideas to help participants understand ‘what’s next’ and how they can continue their interest and education in STEM. In addition, they learned about scholarship, internship, and mentorship opportunities. 

Together with our partners at the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, this in-depth career exploration camp is an excellent example of a FUN educational student program produced to play a role in developing a younger, more diverse, and capable workforce.

DESTINATION AVIATION

This year’s event combined multiple student aviation education events into ONE tremendous success; more than 1,400 guests from all over the region experienced an afternoon of hands-on learning and exploring. The day kicked off with a STEM Panel Discussion with leaders in STEM careers featuring UPS, Micron, X-Bow Systems and the USAF. Attendees then freely explored numerous hands-on activities including airplanes, helicopters, vehicles, drones and more!

With the support of our sponsors, we’re investing in future leaders by providing FREE academic enrichment opportunities in a unique environment, while helping to create a better-prepared pool of future employees for local companies. These are just a few powerful examples of how Airshows can change the world…one student at a time.

Want to join in the FUN?? Sign up to be notified for future events: