Local students ages 12-18 are invited to Destination Aviation on Aug. 22, where they’ll hear from the nation’s leading aviation and aerospace experts and explore hands-on displays that showcase careers in aviation. Photo courtesy of Mark E. Loper Photography

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - California Capital Airshow (CCA) will host Destination Aviation, a free youth program designed to introduce middle and high school students to career pathways across the aviation industry, on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Mather Airport.

Destination Aviation is a curated program for students ages 12 to 18. Students will have the opportunity to engage directly with pilots, engineers, mechanics, air traffic controllers, aerospace manufacturers, military representatives and educators, gaining a firsthand look at the range of careers available within aviation.

“A student can’t pursue a career they don’t know exists. Destination Aviation puts that career in front of them, in person, so they can picture themselves in it,” said Darcy Brewer, CEO of California Capital Airshow. “The pathway to that career becomes real to them in a way a classroom can’t replicate.”

Students will have the opportunity to speak to professionals representing the full spectrum of aviation careers at Destination Aviation on Aug. 22. Photo courtesy of Mark E. Loper Photography

Following a Q&A panel with experts from the nation’s top aerospace and defense organizations, students will move through the event space and engage directly with panelists and exhibitors representing the full spectrum of aviation careers. Students will have the opportunity to explore hands-on displays, working equipment, simulators and prototypes.  

Destination Aviation is one of several year-round STEM programs CCA offers to local youth, made possible in part by proceeds from the nonprofit’s annual airshow. This year’s California Capital Airshow, set for Oct. 10-11 at Mather Airport, will mark CCA's 20th anniversary alongside the nation’s 250th, and feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the return of the Night Show. 

Destination Aviation is free to attend. Registration is open now for students eager to explore a future in aviation or aerospace at bit.ly/26DestAviat.

California Capital Airshow is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Sacramento, California, dedicated to honoring the military and inspiring the next generation of aviation and STEM professionals. The organization produces the annual California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport and supports year-round youth education programs funded through proceeds from the event. The 2026 California Capital Airshow will be held October 10-11 at Mather Airport and marks the organization's 20th anniversary. For more information, visit californiacapitalairshow.com.