Source: Southwest Airlines

The Southwest Airlines® Adopt-A-Pilot (AAP) Program has inspired thousands of fifth-grade students across the country through fun, STEM-centered activities, and experiments since 1997. The program connects Southwest Pilots with classrooms to engage students in fun, aviation-related lessons that define a plan for future success and spark an interest in careers in aviation. Southwest is committed to bringing America’s future leaders unique learning opportunities by committing our resources and time to inspire students and help them define, articulate, and plan for future success.

The 2022-2023 school year marks the 25th anniversary of AAP! Since our award-winning program first launched, Southwest Pilots have visited thousands of classrooms around the country, teaching an aviation-themed curriculum and impacting the lives of more half a million students.

History of Adopt-A-Pilot

Developed in 1997 in cooperation with the Smithsonian, Adopt-A-Pilot is a one-of-a-kind, award-winning mentorship program. The program is endorsed by former First Lady Laura Bush, General Collin Powell, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its contribution to America’s children.

How Adopt-A-Pilot Works

Each school year, students in more than 1,500 classrooms across the country will “adopt” Southwest’s Pilots, giving our passionate aviators opportunities to mentor students in and around the fifth-grade level. As part of the Adopt-A-Pilot Program, students will also research careers and further develop life skills, while the importance of staying in school is reinforced along with the importance of life values. Southwest is pleased to offer these opportunities at no cost to participating schools.

Adopt-A-Pilot 25th Anniversary Plane

In April 2023, Southwest celebrated 25 years of its bridge-building Adopt-A-Pilot® Program by unveiling an aircraft adorned with a nose decal and fuselage artwork dedicated to nearly 14,000 Pilots and half-million student participants linked through the award-winning Program.

To learn more, visit Southwest.com/AdoptAPilot.