Adopt-a-Pilot – Southwest Airlines
Introduction
Adopt-A-Pilot, it is an initiative from Southwest Airlines, which began in 1997, bringing Southwest Pilots into classrooms to engage students in interactive, aviation-related lessons, that help define future successes, and awake interest in aviation careers. Each school year, students in more than 1,500 classrooms across the country “adopted” pilot who mentor students in the fifth grade.
As part of the award-winning Adopt-A-Pilot Program, students research careers and develop life skills, while pilots underscore the importance of education. The Adopt-A-Pilot curriculum is a supplementary way to educate students through aviation-themed activities related to science, geography, math, writing, and other related subjects.
Purpose of the best practice/guidance
Reporting this program is an opportunity to highlight its positive impact on education and the development of students’ skills in STEM areas. The program is recognized by national leaders such as Gen. Colin Powell, ex-President Bill Clinton, and ex-First Lady Laura Bush. By showcasing the achievements and benefits of this initiative, this report can emphasize the importance of providing mentorship and engaging students in aviation.
This program also rouses an interest in aviation careers, inspiring the next generation of aviators and engineers. Furthermore, it demonstrates the value of community outreach and the role of industry professionals in shaping the future of education.
Highlighting the program’s success stories and testimonials from participants can illustrate its effectiveness and the lasting impact it has on students’ lives. By sharing these insights, the regulatory agencies can encourage more organizations to adopt similar initiatives and contribute to the advancement of STEM education.
Intended audience
The audience of the Adopt-A-Pilot Program are fifth-grade students. This program connects Southwest Pilots with classrooms across the country to provide mentorship and engage students in aviation themes.
Each school year, students in classrooms across the country “adopt” Southwest’s Pilots, giving the pilots the opportunity to mentor students in and around the fifth-grade level.
Description/Activities developed
Over the course of more than 25 years, the program has positively impacted more than half a million students, helping them visualize career opportunities in aviation, regardless of their background or economic circumstances. In addition to on-site visits, pilots maintain contact with students between sessions, sharing professional experiences and reinforcing ongoing learning.
The program also emphasizes core values known as F.L.I.G.H.T., which include Fearlessness, Leadership, Imagination, Gratitude, Honesty and Tenacity, encouraging students to develop essential skills for their personal and future professional lives.
During the four-week long curriculum, Pilots volunteer their time in participating classrooms and correspond from the “road” via e-mail and postcards. Beyond the program’s core mentorship and curriculum-based activities, participating Pilots often take it one step further and seek mentors for their students.
Through this hands-on activities and interactive lessons, students gain a deeper understanding of aviation industry. The program aims to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of aviators and STEM professionals.
Impacts / Outcomes
The program has generated significant impacts on American society since its inception, by connecting company pilots with fifth-year students in schools. Through practical activities and mentoring, the program seeks to spark students’ interest in STEM areas, inspiring future careers in aviation.
Main results:
- Significant reach: Since its creation, the program has involved more than 566,000 students and around 14,000 volunteer pilots, covering more than 1,500 classrooms annually (Source: PR Newswire, 2023).
- Inspiration for careers in aviation: Several program participants pursued careers in aviation, including within Southwest Airlines.
- Skills development: In addition to technical content, the program emphasizes citizenship values for students’ personal growth.
- Institutional recognition: The program has already been recognized by national leaders and educational institutions, standing out as a successful corporate social responsibility initiative.
In 2023, to celebrate the program’s 25th anniversary, Southwest Airlines dedicated one of its aircraft to Adopt-A-Pilot with a custom livery, symbolizing the company’s ongoing commitment to future generations.
Lessons learned
Southwest Airlines’ Adopt-A-Pilot initiative teaches how corporate educational programs can impact society, inspire young people and build real connections between the classroom and the job market.
The union between professionals and students can be profoundly transformative. By taking active pilots to schools, it shows how in-person mentoring and direct involvement can stimulate curiosity, confidence and interest in aviation. This connection humanizes professions that often seem distant, allowing students to identify with real examples of success.
Another interesting point is that educational activities do not need to be complex to be impactful. Adopt-A-Pilot’s content is simple, accessible and playful, even covering basic aerodynamic principles, in addition to promoting values such as kindness, honesty, perseverance and respect.
The program also teaches that corporate social initiatives have greater impact when they are consistent and long-term. With more than 25 years of existence, Adopt-A-Pilot has become a symbol of Southwest Airlines’ organizational culture, showing that lasting commitment to the community generates deeper and more sustainable results than just specific actions.
Web link
https://www.southwest.com/citizenship/people/corporate-responsibility/adopt-a-pilot-program/
Authors and Contributors
Nancy Martin-Belitz, Southwest Airlines Pilot – Ambassador