EAA YOUNG EAGLES PROGRAM In 2008, approximately 6,000 volunteer pilots logged 10,647 hours giving 73,471 children their first flight experience— helping EAA’s Young Eagles program reach another milestone— nearly 1.5 million children flown since the program’s launch in 1992. The 2008 success of EAA’s fundraising efforts led to the expansion of the Young Eagles Credits Program. Previously, the program awarded a $1 credit to chapters for each Young Eagle flown for the purpose of creating scholarships to attend EAA Air Academy. Credits increased in value to a $5 credit, and the range of activities to apply credits towards was greatly expanded.
EAA’s Air Academy, summer camps with aviation instructors, helped 248 youth ages 12-18 explore the world of flight, and also celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. Participation from international students also showcased the academy’s vast global reach. There were 380 high school students ages 14-18 that participated in the online AeroScholars program this year, supported by The Thomas Wathen Foundation and Garmin Corporation. More than 40 trained mentors helped students earn up to six college credits and prepare themselves to take the FAA Private Pilot written examination. EAA chapters sponsored 16 of those students. Space Week, supported by a grant from Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium, was held twice in 2008 inside the EAA AirVenture Museum, and nearly 3,000 students explored the fascinating world of flight through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
KidVenture marked its 10th anniversary in 2008. More than 23,000 children and parents participated in hands-on, educational, and fun aviation-based demonstrations and presentations at Pioneer Airport during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008. A Junior A&P program was added this year and included an engine shop, avionics section, and professional A&P mechanics on-hand as mentors. Children also received an endorsement in their logbook for their participation. More than 400 volunteers representing 25 chapters participated in KidVenture 2008.
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The fourth annual Women Soar You Soar, held in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, introduced 80 young women in grades 9 through 12 to 25 mentors during the first two days of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008. Mentors inspired and empowered the young women, and presented the many career options in aviation available to them. There were also more hands-on activities to choose from, including career planning sessions and more time on the AirVenture grounds.
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