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An Opportunity For Passionate Aviators

Southwest Airlines is a Company with a Cause. Education and more specifically Youth Leadership & Community Involvement are focus areas for Southwest Airlines’ charitable giving and community relations efforts. Adopt-A-Pilot is an opportunity for passionate aviators to mentor students in and around the fifth grade level. As a Pilot, you are training, being evaluated and learning new information daily. It took several years of hard work and education to be in the position to captain an airplane. Who better to spread the message that education is important in achieving goals than you?

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How Adopt-A-Pilot Works

Pilots' compassIn order to accommodate the busy schedules of Pilots and schools, Adopt-A-Pilot allows you the freedom and flexibility to set your own schedule. The program officially kicks off in February and ends in June. Classroom visits are coordinated by you and the Teacher. In most cases, the Southwest Airlines ‘adopted’ Pilot visits the classroom one hour a week for four weeks. Although in some cases, Pilots make fewer visits to the class.

Registration for the Adopt-A-Pilot program opens in September and closes in November at www.southwest.com/adoptapilot. Schools and Pilots are geographically matched with each other throughout November. You will be notified by email on the status of your request no later than December.

Program materials are provided by Southwest Airlines and are delivered to Pilots and schools in January. Take a look at the program timeline for important dates and deadlines. The Adopt-A-Pilot Crew is always standing by to provide more information or answer any questions.

The Crew can be contacted at adoptapilot@wnco.com

The Adopt-A-Pilot Curriculum teaches the following F.L.I.G.H.T. values: Fearlessness - Leadership - Imagination - Gratitude - Honesty - Tenacity

Curriculum

Booklet graphicAn Adopt-A-Pilot curriculum booklet is provided to each student in the Adopt-A-Pilot program at no cost. The curriculum is designed to lead fifth grade classrooms through lessons on science, geography, math, creative writing, and other core subjects, all based in aviation-related activities. Students will also research careers, F.L.I.G.H.T. values, and realize the importance of staying in school.

What the Pilots are saying:

“It’s very rewarding to work with a class and introduce new ideas to energized and interested young men and women.”

“To me Adopt-a-Pilot is about giving your time to make a difference and have an impact on the kids. I think the kids just really like knowing/feeling that someone that doesn't "have to" cares about them and their education.”

“It is a win-win scenario when company volunteers team with the community leaders and especially the students to open their eyes to a bigger world.”

“Makes me remember why I love my job.”