What Is the Adopt-A-Pilot Program?

Since 1997, the award-winning Adopt-A-Pilot program has paired fifth-grade classes nationwide with Southwest Pilots to emphasize the importance of education and setting personal goals.

For four weeks each spring, Pilots volunteer their time by visiting and mentoring students, and students track their “adopted” Pilot’s journey while he/she is “on the road.”
Students can also complete the Adopt-A-Pilot curriculum, which includes lessons in science, math, geography, language skills and other classroom activities that make learning fun.

What Does an “Adopted” Pilot Do?

• Southwest Pilots support teachers in reinforcing the importance of school, leveraging the power of hard work and commitment to pursue dreams, making current lessons come alive, and showing students how it can be applied to “real life.”
• “Adopted” Pilots visit the class once per week during the four-week long program.
• Pilots lead activities in the Adopt-A-Pilot curriculum, answer questions, and interact with students.

How Much Time Does Adopt-A-Pilot Take?

• Before the program launches – Teachers typically spend some preparation time reviewing the provided curriculum to select the lesson plans that best fit what the class has been studying.
• During the program implementation – At minimum, teachers can plan on four class visits from their Pilot (one visit per week during a four-week period), each visit lasting approximately one hour. The rest is up to you!

When Does My Local Adopt-A-Pilot Program Take Place?

You and your Southwest Pilot determine the actual timing of your local program, however most programs launch anytime between mid-January and mid-May.

Where Can I Find Out More About Adopt-A-Pilot?

Go to: Info & Registration or e-mail us at: adoptapilot@wnco.com

How Do I Register for Adopt-A-Pilot?

• If you already have a Southwest Pilot who approached you, your Pilot will register here once you confirm with him/her.
• If you have not already been “adopted” by a Southwest Pilot, we MAY be able to find one in your local area. Go to our Registration page, select “Teachers,” and fill in the registration form.
• Registration is currently closed for the 2010 spring semester. Registration opens September 2 for the 2011 spring semester. This date is subject to change. Please check back closer to that date to confirm.

Thank you for your interest in supporting a program that recognizes and supplements the great work that teachers do by motivating students to invest in their education and their future goals!