The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is committed to inspiring the next generation of pilots, flight crews, ground crews, and airport administrators by providing Chicagoland students with unique opportunities to learn about the wide range of opportunities available at O’Hare and Midway International Airports. The children of today are not only the future of the aviation industry, but the future leaders of the entire City of Chicago.
The CDA is collaborating with Chicago City Colleges and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) on a pathfinding aviation curriculum that will open up new avenues and new horizons to Chicago’s young people, no matter where they live or even whether they’ve had the chance to fly on an airplane.
As part of the One Summer Chicago summer jobs program, the CDA also partnered with City Colleges, CPS, the Alternative School Network and the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council on a six-week summer internship program for high school students and recent graduates. The earn-as-you-learn experience shadows various operational departments within the airports to inspire passion and interest in the field of aviation.
The CDA also partners with the Aerostar Avion Institute, a program that supports academic awareness of aviation and aeronautical career path opportunities for students, particularly female, minority and at-risk youth.
The department is also working on initiatives to encourage an interest in aviation in children of all ages. A coloring and activity book available at our airports and on our website provides information about the diverse array of jobs and workers it takes to keep our world-class airports running. The CDA also has a Community Van with a flight simulator inside to help bring the wonders of flight to outreach events in all 77 of Chicago’s communities.