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ISTAT Foundation Expands Early Talent Engagement Through Field Trip Programs

The ISTAT Foundation, in partnership with Broward County Public Schools and leading industry stakeholders, continues to advance its commitment to workforce and professional development through targeted early-engagement initiatives.

Two student field trips conducted in South Florida, USA, in February and April 2026 illustrate how hands-on exposure to aviation can meaningfully influence career awareness among middle school students — an increasingly critical objective as the industry addresses long-term talent pipeline needs.

From Anniversary Campaign to Impact Program

The student field trips were made possible through the ISTAT Foundation’s 30th Anniversary Campaign. “The goal of the 30th Anniversary Campaign is to expand the educational initiatives that have been at the core of the Foundation’s mission and directly support its commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in commercial aviation,” says Kristen Chmielewski, partner at GC Aero Law and ISTAT Foundation chair.

The South Florida programs represent a tangible outcome of that effort, connecting middle school students with aviation professionals and real-world environments that bring industry career opportunities to life. As the Foundation explores expansion to additional regions, these programs demonstrate the lasting impact of industry support in developing future aviation talent.

“When we launched this program, the vision was to get students out of the classroom and into the environments where aviation happens,” says Tracey O’Brien, head of global fleet management for Amazon. “Watching a student light up while walking around the airplane or asking an engineer how a composite panel is made — that’s the moment career awareness becomes career aspiration. That’s what we’re building here.”

A Coordinated Approach to Early Career Awareness

The South Florida field trips were divided into two modules, which included a program hosted by GA Telesis focused on leasing, sales, marketing, MRO and supply services, and a program hosted by the Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Allegiant and JetBlue focused on airport operations and airline operations and maintenance.

Each program was designed for students in grades 6 through 8 from Rickards Middle School’s magnet program, a demographic strategically selected to align with the point at which students begin evaluating future academic and career pathways. The objective was to introduce students to aviation careers while connecting classroom learning to real-world applications.

Participation across both field trips averaged more than 40 students per session, supported by school administrators, ISTAT Foundation leadership and a broad cross-section of aviation professionals. The programs combined structured tours, career talks and interactive engagement to introduce students to the full spectrum of aviation roles — from technical and engineering disciplines to operations, finance and customer-facing positions.

GA Telesis: Exposure to the Technical and Commercial Ecosystem

The 12 February program, hosted by GA Telesis, offered students a comprehensive look at their aviation ecosystem, including MRO, supply chain and financial services. Through guided tours of both the company’s headquarters and composite manufacturing facility, participants gained insight into maintenance, repair and overhaul; supply chain management; and advanced materials engineering.

A distinguishing feature of the visit was direct engagement with professionals across multiple business units. Executives and technical leaders from GA Telesis, HALO AirFinance and LIFT participated in small-group discussions, enabling students to explore diverse career pathways within aviation. This experience highlighted the wide range of aviation careers beyond the industry’s most visible roles.

Survey feedback indicated a significant increase in student familiarity with aviation careers following the visit, with particular interest in engineering, aircraft maintenance and business-related roles. The opportunity to interact with industry professionals and observe active operations firsthand was cited as a key factor in shaping student perceptions.

“At GA Telesis, we believe the future of aviation depends on our ability to engage and inspire the next generation of talent early in their educational journey,” says Abdol Moabery, president and CEO at GA Telesis. “Hosting these students provided an opportunity to showcase the many career pathways that exist within aviation, from engineering and manufacturing to finance, technology and global supply chain management. By opening our doors and sharing real-world experiences, we hope to help young people see themselves as future leaders and innovators in this industry.”

Airline Operations in Focus at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Building on the February program, the 14 April field trip shifted the focus from manufacturing and MRO to live airline operations. Hosted by Allegiant and JetBlue at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), the experience provided students with rare airside access and a close-up view of day-to-day airline activities.

“Introducing young people to aviation careers at an early age is one of the most impactful investments we can make in the industry’s future,” says Robert Neal, president and chief financial officer for Allegiant Travel Company. “We were excited to welcome students to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and give them an inside look at the teamwork, technology and operational excellence required to deliver safe and reliable air travel every day. Programs like this help students connect their interests and strengths to real career possibilities.”

Students were divided into two groups, one group visiting to Allegiant operations and the other visiting JetBlue operations. Tours included gate areas, ramp operations and baggage handling facilities, offering a comprehensive understanding of how airlines function in a real-time airport environment. Airline personnel — including pilots, flight attendants, maintenance technicians and ground operations staff — provided context through presentations and informal discussions.

“At JetBlue, inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals is an important part of our commitment to the communities we serve,” says Mike Baker, assistant treasurer for JetBlue and treasurer for the JetBlue Foundation. “Giving students firsthand exposure to airline operations and mentorship from our crewmembers helps demonstrate the wide range of career opportunities available throughout our industry. We are proud to partner with the ISTAT Foundation on initiatives that help young people envision a future in aviation.”

Survey results from the FLL visit underscore the effectiveness of this immersive approach. A clear majority of students reported increased knowledge of airline operations following the experience, with many indicating heightened interest in roles such as pilot, aircraft mechanic and technology-related positions. Notably, most participants rated the experience positively, with the vast majority selecting “liked it” or “loved it.”

Expanding the Model Globally

Building on the success of the South Florida programs, the ISTAT Foundation and its Educational Grants Committee are actively exploring opportunities to expand the student field trip model to additional regions in the United States and internationally. Early discussions are focused on potential programs in Arizona and Illinois, as well as select locations in Europe (Dublin), where industry partners and educational institutions can collaborate to replicate the immersive, career-focused experience with ISTAT member companies. This planned expansion reflects a broader strategic objective to scale early aviation career exposure globally while adapting programming to local industry ecosystems and workforce needs.

Advancing the Industry’s Talent Pipeline

These initiatives demonstrate the ISTAT Foundation’s evolving role in addressing one of aviation’s most pressing challenges through its mission statement to support the future of commercial aviation through investment in learning and development and social responsibility. By engaging students well before high school, the program helps them consider aviation as a future career option at a critical stage in their professional development.

Equally important is the collaborative model underpinning the effort. Partnerships among educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and industry leaders — including OEM-adjacent service providers and commercial airlines — enable students to see the interconnected nature of the aviation ecosystem.

“None of this happens without our industry partners opening their doors and investing their time,” O’Brien says. “GA Telesis, Allegiant, JetBlue — these companies aren’t just hosting field trips. They’re making a long-term investment in the workforce that will sustain this industry for decades to come. The ISTAT Foundation is proud to be the connective tissue between education and industry.”

As the industry continues to grow, initiatives like these demonstrate how collaboration and experiential learning can strengthen the future aviation workforce.

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