By Mark Kolesar, EAA Lifetime 294238
On Saturday, September 23, 2023, EAA Chapter 25 and EAA Chapter 1229 had a very visible presence at the recent Girls in Aviation Day event held at the Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Chapter members present were EAA Chapter 25’s Young Eagles coordinators Kris Olson and Mark Kolesar, as well as EAA Chapter 1229’s Young Eagles coordinators Bill and Julie Steier.
The Stars of the North, the local chapter of Women in Aviation International, held their annual Girls in Aviation Day; a free event for youths to learn about career opportunities in aviation, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Exhibitors from airlines, the military, universities, a local high school, flight schools, pilots, engineers, and many professionals showcased aviation careers and educational opportunities. This is a free event which typically attracts more than 1,000 participants and is geared toward girls ages 8-17; however, everyone is welcome. Given the emphasis on the age group, it was a perfect opportunity for local EAA chapters to discuss the EAA Young Eagles, Ray Aviation Scholarship, and AeroEducate programs, as well introduce the public to local EAA chapter activities.
Altogether, this year’s event attracted around 2,500 people — a new record!