WAI, ERAU Join Efforts on Girls Aviation Course
By Kerry Lynch – March 5, 2020, 9:15 AM – Women in Aviation International and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have rolled out an online course designed to ignite the interest of girls in aviation and aerospace careers. Open to girls ages eight to 17, the free, self-paced Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) provides an overview into aviation and aerospace, covering topics such as the major parts of an airplane, flight characteristics of a helicopter, and goals of space exploration.
Built through the expertise at Embry-Riddle, the curriculum also includes engaging activities such as teaching students to make a paper helicopter, testing knowledge in module quizzes, and showing girls how they can be scientists. Participants earn digital badges and a personalized electronic certificate. Plans call to offer the course several times a year to students globally. Registration is currently open.
“Partnering with Embry-Riddle, a longtime WAI supporter, on this free online course for youth interested in aviation is another tool to expand our reach of our annual international Girls in Aviation Day all year round,” said WAI CEO Allison McKay. “Future aviation professionals will be inspired, and we are thrilled to use technology to reach girls in every part of the world and encourage their dreams of pursuing aviation careers.”
“We believe in the mission of WAI and look forward to a partnership that helps young ladies go further—faster,” added Bettina Mrusek, assistant professor with the College of Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle. “Aerospace career paths often start with a spark from an air show, a rocket launch, or a role model. We hope this course can be an element that inspires young ladies to join us on an exciting trajectory towards awesome.”
WAI and Embry-Riddle unveiled the course in advance of the 2020 International Women in Aviation Conference, which opened today. Mrusek also discussed workforce issues today at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 19th Annual Aviation Summit.