In partnership with Women in Aviation International (WAI), Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Worldwide U.S. Military Campuses in PACOM and Europe celebrated Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) for the fifth year in a row throughout September, inspiring youth aged 8-18 to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace through a series of engaging, hands-on, aviation-focused events.

GIAD continues to expand its global reach in its 12th year. Since the program’s launch in 2015, more than 180,000 young people have participated in GIAD activities designed to spark interest in aviation and aerospace. For 2026, WAI planned 200 events worldwide, with more than 34,500 attendees expected, including events in 27 countries outside the United States and U.S. territories. This year’s events supported by Embry-Riddle international campus teams on overseas military installations throughout Italy and mainland Japan inspired over 300 participants.

Since 2022, ERAU’s overseas campuses have partnered with military volunteers, students, alumni and community organizations to provide interactive tours, demonstrations and hands-on activities that introduce young people to aviation and STEM careers with WAI’s support. GIAD has become an annual tradition at ERAU’s international locations, connecting military-connected families with meaningful educational experiences and aviation role models. Through its global programs and GIAD partnerships, WAI supports more than 20,000 members across 112 countries and has provided more than $17 million in scholarships since 1995.

“One of the most powerful things we can do is help a young person see a future they may not have imagined for themselves,” said Jim Pepin, vice chancellor of Student Success. “Girls in Aviation Day brings aviation and STEM to life through experiences that allow children to explore, ask questions and meet people who are already doing this work. I am proud of our teams and grateful to our military and community partners for investing in the next generation of aviators, engineers, scientists and leaders.”

At Yokota AB, the Embry-Riddle team hosted their annual event at the Aero Club hangar, welcoming over 150 children, parents and volunteers, along with flight instructors, a mechanic and the Aero Club manager for a weather-themed event featuring seven interactive stations. Participants learned about clouds, completed pre-flight checklists, made aviation “go/no-go” decisions based on weather conditions and built their own windsocks.

At the Yokosuka library, the ERAU team partnered with the WAI Japan Chapter (including WAI Japan Chapter President Yuki Tanaka) to provide children with hands-on activities and exposure to aviation careers and educational pathways available through Embry-Riddle.

The ERAU team at Naval Air Facility Atsugi partnered with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM)-51 to provide participants with an inside look at the squadron’s hangar, maintenance shops and H-60 helicopters. Approximately 100 participants and more than 30 volunteers supported the event, leading informational briefings and H-60 tours. Children had the opportunity to sit inside an H-60, experience being hoisted in a rescue basket and use night vision goggles to locate an object in a darkened room.

“These experiences give children the opportunity to see aviation up close, engage with STEM in meaningful ways and uncover new possibilities for a future in aviation,” said Hayley Yamanaka, executive director - PACOM. “The excitement on their faces, the questions they ask and their willingness to try something new are powerful reminders of why this community engagement matters.”

“We are deeply grateful to the military units, community partners, volunteers and ERAU team members whose time and commitment make these memorable learning opportunities possible for all military-connected families overseas,” said Esra Mills, executive director - Europe.

Embry‑Riddle will continue hosting aviation-focused events for kids at various U.S. military installations overseas over the coming months. The tours and interactive activities are designed to introduce youth to the many opportunities in aviation, aerospace, and STEM fields. Families are encouraged to contact their local Embry-Riddle Site for details on upcoming events and how to participate, as well as to learn more about Embry-Riddle’s military locations, programs, and services.

Upcoming Events:

Girls in Aviation Day 2026 – Sigonella
​Date: Monday, Nov. 16, 2026 from 3-5 p.m.
​Location: NAS Sigonella Movie Theater
​Contact Sigonella@erau.edu for information and to register.

Girls in Aviation Day 2026 – Katterbach
​Date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
​Location: Hangar 4, Katterbach
​Contact Katterbach@erau.edu for information and to register

Learn more about Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Military Locations, Programs and Support Services.