Youth Programs
Year-Round Experiences That Ignite Curiosity and Confidence
California Capital Airshow’s youth programs bring aviation and aerospace to life for students of all ages. These immersive, hands-on experiences connect young people directly with pilots, engineers, mechanics, air traffic controllers, meteorologists, and aviation professionals, helping them explore careers they may have never known were possible.
A calendar of events for 2026 youth programs will be posted soon. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified of our upcoming dates!
POSITIVE ALTITUDE
Annual aviation and STEM immersion event for underserved youth ages 8-13.
CAREER DAY AT THE AIRPORT
Kindergarten and first grade students get a behind the scenes look at Mather Airport and the exciting work that happens each day.
SUMMER CAMP
Students participate in career immersion tours and hands-on learning activities throughout the week with ideas to launch a career in aviation.
GIRLS IN AVIATION DAY
In partnership with Women in Aviation International, girls of all ages have the chance to learn from women leaders throughout the aviation industry.
STEM EXPO
Conference and mentor luncheon connecting teens with experts in aviation, space, cyber, robotics, and advanced technology.
EXPLORE THE DRONE ZONE
Hands-on exploration for all ages of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technology with industry leaders.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Each year, we open the hangar doors at Mather Airport to thousands of students who leave with the knowledge that anything is possible. These events go beyond the norm, with hands-on learning activities, unparalleled access to 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. With the help of our tremendous partners, sponsors, and volunteers, these year-round programs result in eye-opening experiences that launch dreams into careers.
Girls in Aviation Day
Girls in Aviation Day is about inspiring the next generation of aviators, innovators, and leaders. Women are still underrepresented in STEM careers, especially aviation and aerospace. The California Capital Airshow is working to change that by giving girls hands-on experiences and direct access to mentors through this annual event.
STEM Expo
The STEM Expo inspires local middle and high school students from select schools and community organizations through a dynamic discussion and interactive breakout discussions with leaders from the nation’s top STEM and aviation companies. The event aims to inspire older students to see what their future careers could look like in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics and aviation fields.
STAY IN TOUCH
Be the first to know about future student events, scholarships, and other youth opportunities.