COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | 2025 IMPACT REPORT 28
METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
Building the Aviation Workforce of Tomorrow
The Airports Authority advances workforce development initiatives that introduce students and emerging professionals to the wide range of careers available across the aviation industry. Through hands-on learning experiences, educational partnerships and direct engagement with industry professionals, the Airports Authority is helping inspire and prepare the next generation of aviation talent.
Workforce Development Expo
In 2025, the Airports Authority hosted a workforce development expo at Dulles International Airport for 150 Northern Virginia high school students representing Dominion High School, Academies of Loudoun, Independence High School, Loudoun Valley High School, Potomac Falls High School, Edison Academy and West Potomac Academy. Students participated in panel discussions, career exploration sessions and interactive demonstrations led by Airports Authority employees and regional workforce leaders. The event highlighted career opportunities in airport operations, skilled trades, public safety, aviation administration, communications and professional development programs. For many students, the expo provided their first direct exposure to careers in aviation and airport management.
Firefighter Cadet Program
The Airports Authority hosted fire cadets from Prince George’ s County Public Schools as part of the Firefighter Exploration Program at Reagan National Airport’ s Fire Station 301. The immersive experience introduced students to the unique responsibilities of airport firefighters and provided firsthand insight into emergency response operations that help protect the traveling public. The program highlighted aviation public safety careers while reinforcing the Airports Authority’ s commitment to youth engagement, workforce development and inspiring the next generation of first responders. To further support the program, the Airports Authority donated five boxes of uniform pants to the Prince George’ s County Public Schools Fire Cadet Program for training and educational use.
Through these initiatives, the Airports Authority works to expand awareness of aviation career opportunities, strengthen regional workforce pipelines and support the future of the aviation industry.
Hampton University Student Aviation Day
In 2025, the Airports Authority partnered with Hampton University to host the First Annual Student Aviation Day at Dulles International Airport.
More than a dozen Hampton University students explored aviation careers through hands-on exposure to airport operations. They met with Airports Authority leadership, airport management and ramp control tower professionals, and toured the airfield for a behind-the-scenes look at Dulles International Airport, including ongoing development projects. The event celebrated the partnership between the Authority and Hampton’ s Department of Aviation, strengthening the Authority’ s commitment to workforce development, community engagement and preparing the next generation of aviation professionals.
This partnership is already having an impact. Two students who participated in the 2025 Hampton University Aviation Day have since been hired as Ramp Control Tower employees at Dulles, underscoring the program’ s ability to translate exposure into opportunity.