NASA Kennedy Inspires Girls in STEM to Reach New Heights

Inspiring the Next Generation: Delta Air Lines’ WING Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

For the third consecutive year, an impressive group of young women embarked on a journey to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, nurturing their aviation aspirations through Delta Air Lines’ Women Inspiring our Next Generation (WING) program. The initiative saw a Boeing 737, crewed entirely by women, transport 130 girls aged 11 to 18 from Atlanta-based schools and aviation organizations that emphasize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

The adventure began at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport just after sunrise on September 20. A few hours later, the group touched down on the runway of Kennedy Space Center’s Launch and Landing Facility, a historic site that has seen numerous space shuttle missions land and currently serves as the arrival point for NASA astronauts heading to the International Space Station.

Janet Petro, NASA Kennedy Director, highlighted the importance of the event by stating, "For more than 60 years, Kennedy Space Center has been the launching point for many of the missions that have inspired the nation and challenged generations of students to reach for the stars. As an aviator myself, today is especially exciting because it showcases the diverse range of career opportunities available to young women interested in pursuing fields in science, technology, engineering, and math."

The day was packed with inspiring activities, starting with a comprehensive bus tour of NASA Kennedy facilities. The girls had the opportunity to take photos at Launch Complex 39B, a significant site where the first woman will launch to the Moon on the Artemis III mission. At the Space Systems Processing Facility, they listened to women leaders from NASA Kennedy who shared their journeys and offered motivational advice.

Dicksy Chrostowski, Director of the Office of Communications at NASA Kennedy, emphasized the potential of the young participants: "I want you to look around you. The young women in this room are going to be the trailblazers of the Artemis Generation. You may very well live and work on the Moon, or be one of our first visitors to Mars. There is always a path to greatness for you to take, even if it’s hard to find."

Following the insightful discussions, the girls explored the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex before reboarding the plane for their return trip to Atlanta. The visit to NASA’s iconic spaceport and the inspiring messages from NASA’s women leaders left a lasting impression on the participants.

Karsyn Britton-Mauge, a seventh grader from the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, expressed her enthusiasm: "As a woman of color, it’s great to see other women who look like me in these spaces and it’s very uplifting to hear their stories and how far they’ve come. Life is filled with ups and downs, and I am so inspired by the persistence in all the women who spoke to us today. They never stopped pursuing their dreams."

Since its inception in 2015, the Delta WING program has maintained a strong focus on STEM education as a pathway to careers in aviation. Delta General Manager of Pilot Development Beth Poole and Delta Pilot Cheri Rohlfing initiated the program after recognizing a significant underrepresentation of women in various airline industry roles, including mechanics, ground personnel, and especially pilots. The WING flights, organized and executed entirely by women, aim to inspire and educate young women about aviation careers. This year’s trip marked the eighth Delta WING flight and the third visit to Kennedy Space Center.

Janet Petro reiterated the importance of fostering future talent: "The accomplishments of the future are going to be realized by the dreamers, innovators, and bright minds who are sitting in classrooms today. And we want these students to know there is a place for them at NASA."

The Importance of STEM Education

STEM education is increasingly recognized as a critical element in preparing students for the future workforce, particularly in fields that are rapidly evolving due to technological advancements. Programs like Delta WING play a vital role in encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers, which historically have been male-dominated. By providing hands-on experiences and direct interaction with role models, these initiatives help to break down stereotypes and open up new possibilities for girls who might not have previously considered such careers.

Reaction to the WING Program

The Delta WING program has garnered positive feedback from both participants and industry professionals. Parents and educators have praised the initiative for its role in broadening the horizons of young women and providing them with invaluable experiences. Industry experts have also recognized the program’s potential to address the gender imbalance in the aviation sector by inspiring the next generation of female aviators, engineers, and scientists.

The Future of Women in Aviation

The aviation industry is on the cusp of significant transformation, with technological advancements creating new opportunities and roles. As the industry evolves, there is a growing recognition of the need for diversity and inclusion. Programs like Delta WING not only inspire young women to pursue careers in aviation but also contribute to creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce, which is essential for innovation and progress.

Conclusion

Delta Air Lines’ Women Inspiring our Next Generation (WING) program is a shining example of how targeted initiatives can make a significant impact on young women’s career aspirations. By exposing participants to real-world experiences and connecting them with inspiring role models, the program helps to demystify STEM careers and encourages girls to dream big. As the aviation and aerospace industries continue to grow, the importance of such programs in nurturing future talent cannot be overstated. For more information on the Delta WING program and other similar initiatives, visit the official Delta Air Lines and NASA websites.

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