Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Airport (LGB) launched the third year of its Careers Taking Flight externship program. The innovative program gives high school students hands-on exposure to careers in aviation and connects them directly with industry professionals and employers.
“Careers Taking Flight continues to uplift and empower our youth, while deepening Long Beach’s proud connection to the aviation industry,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “By giving students the tools, access and inspiration they need to envision themselves in well-paying, in-demand professions, we’re helping to launch a new generation of aviation professionals who reflect the diversity of our city.”
Conducted in partnership with Long Beach Unified School District, the weeklong externship offers two cohorts of 12 students from Cabrillo and Jordan high schools, a 40-hour immersive experience that includes behind-the-scenes tours, career panels and interactive sessions with Airport tenants, aviation companies, federal agencies and airline partners.
Students are selected through a competitive application and interview process. In its third consecutive year, more than 150 students applied for the opportunity, reflecting strong interest in the program. Each participant who successfully completes the weeklong externship receives a $500 incentive. The program also offers participants the opportunity to further their aviation career prep with LGB; two graduates from previous cohorts of the externship program are currently serving as interns for the summer.
“The response to this program has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m proud that Long Beach Airport continues to invest in future leaders and open doors to exciting career paths in aviation,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “This initiative is possible through the incredible support of our partners, and together we’re helping students dream big and take flight.”
Partners providing tours, guest speakers and learning experiences include: Aeroplex/Aerolease Group, Atlantic Aviation, CLEAR, Delta Air Lines, the Federal Aviation Administration, FlightSafety International, Hawaiian Airlines, JetZero, Long Beach Aero, OCR Aviation, Sling Pilot Academy, SoCal Jet Services, Southwest Airlines, the Transportation Security Administration and others.
On the final day of the program, students are offered exploration flights through Chapter Seven of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, which is a highlight of the experience that introduces youth to flying in a general aviation aircraft.
“The Long Beach Unified School District is proud to partner with Long Beach Airport to expand opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Jill A. Baker, Superintendent of Schools. “Programs like this help students explore real careers and envision what’s possible.”
The Careers Taking Flight externship is part of Long Beach Airport’s broader initiative to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals through a suite of programs that span from grade school outreach to college fellowships. In addition to the externship, LGB hosts an average of 2,000 members of the public, most of them students, on free tours of the Airport.
This program aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan for Youth and Emerging Adults, which prioritizes academic enrichment and workforce development for Long Beach youth. The program also one of many activations taking place during the summer to foster positive youth development as part of the City’s Summer of Opportunity initiative.
Long Beach Airport sits on 1,166 acres and features three runways, a Historic Terminal, and a unique mix of office, retail and aviation businesses. LGB currently offers nonstop service to 21 airports nationwide through Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.
For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about Long Beach Airport is available at lgb.org and on Facebook, Instagram and X @LGBAirport.
