Long Beach Airport's Fourth Annual Careers Taking Flight Program Connects Students with Aviation Professionals

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - On August 21, 2026, the City of Long Beach celebrated the graduation of the fourth annual Careers Taking Flight summer externship program. The event, held at Long Beach Airport (LGB), honored students from Cabrillo and Jordan high schools who had completed a week-long program exploring various careers within the aviation industry.

The program, in partnership with the Long Beach Unified School District, aims to give high school students a hands-on experience in the aviation and airport industry. Through behind-the-scenes tours, career panels, and personal conversations with industry professionals, students were able to gain valuable insight into opportunities ranging from aviation operations to piloting.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating that it gives students a chance to see themselves in careers they may have never considered before. He believes that when students are able to experience the industry firsthand, they can see that what once seemed out of reach is now possible.

The 40-hour externship is a competitive program that accepts only a limited number of students each year. Through a rigorous application and interview process, students are selected for the opportunity to participate. Those who successfully complete the program receive a $500 incentive and are also given opportunities for internships and networking with LGB and its partners.

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Since its inception four years ago, 82 students have graduated from Careers Taking Flight. Long Beach Unified Superintendent David Zaid expressed his gratitude towards LGB for investing in their students and helping them explore new possibilities in aviation.

Throughout the week-long program, students had the opportunity to learn directly from airport tenants, aviation companies, federal agencies, and airline partners. They were able to tour facilities and hear from professionals about their career journeys. The program also included interactive activities designed to give students a firsthand understanding of the industry.

Partners such as Aeroplex/Aerolease Group, AMPAIRE, Atlantic Aviation, CLEAR, Federal Aviation Administration, FlightSafety International, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, JetZero, Sling Pilot Academy, SoCal Jet Services, Southwest Airlines, and the Transportation Security Administration provided tours, guest speakers, and learning experiences for the students.

Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry emphasized that Careers Taking Flight is not just about introducing students to aviation but also about uplifting them with meaningful experiences that can shape their future. She hopes that students will leave the program with new skills, connections, and a clearer sense of what is possible in the aviation industry.

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On the final day of the program, students were offered exploration flights through Chapter 7 of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program. For many participants, this was their first opportunity to experience general aviation from the cockpit and put into perspective what they had learned throughout the week.

The Careers Taking Flight externship is part of Long Beach Airport's broader initiative to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. The airport offers a suite of programs that range from grade school outreach to college fellowships. In addition to the externship program, LGB also hosts free tours for an average of 2,000 members of the public each year.

This program aligns with Long Beach's Strategic Plan for Youth and Emerging Adults which prioritizes academic enrichment and workforce development for local youth. It is also one of many initiatives taking place during the summer as part of Long Beach's Summer of Opportunity campaign to foster positive youth development.

Known as "America's Coolest Airport™," Long Beach Airport prides itself on providing a stress-free travel experience and exceptional customer service. Located between Los Angeles and Orange counties, LGB currently offers nonstop service to 21 airports nationwide through Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. To learn more about LGB visit lgb.org.

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