Cradle of Aviation Museum Launches “Girls Pilot Their Future” With ISTAT Foundation Support
STEM Workforce Initiative for Middle and High School Students
Garden City, NY, March 12, 2026 – The Cradle of Aviation Museum has launched “Girls Pilot Their Future,” a STEM workforce initiative for middle and high school students, made possible through grant support from the ISTAT Foundation and developed in partnership with Girls Inc. of Long Island.
The program welcomed 25 participants from communities across Long Island, including Levittown, Hempstead, Farmingdale, Patchogue, Garden City, Uniondale, Baldwin, Westbury, Valley Stream, Rocky Point, and Deer Park. Students are participating in a structured 10-visit series designed to introduce them to aviation and aerospace career pathways through hands-on learning and real-world applications.
On February 7, students participated in one of the program’s off-site industry experiences at Long Island MacArthur Airport.
The visit introduced participants to aviation career pathways and provided insight into how the aviation industry operates within a functioning airport environment. Students met aviation professionals, explored careers that support airlines and airports from arrival to destination, and strengthened their understanding of future opportunities in aviation and aerospace.
Program themes throughout the 10-session series include unraveling the forces of flight and aerodynamics, applying mathematics principles to FAA flight pathways, examining sustainability and fuel considerations, and learning about emerging technologies such as eVTOL aircraft.
Support from the ISTAT Foundation directly funds instructional time, program materials, and student participation, ensuring the initiative is offered at no cost to families.
“Girls Pilot Their Future” reflects the Museum’s continued focus on workforce development — fostering interest in STEM through real-world aviation applications while building problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
The Cradle of Aviation Museum thanks the ISTAT Foundation for its investment in aviation education and workforce development, and Girls Inc. of Long Island for its partnership in engaging students across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
About the ISTAT Foundation
The ISTAT Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT). The Foundation supports educational initiatives that advance aviation and expand access to career pathways within the industry.
About Girls Inc. of Long Island
Girls Inc. of Long Island inspires middle and high school students to be strong, smart, and bold through evidence-based programs that promote academic achievement, leadership development, and career readiness across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
