LOS ANGELES AIRPORT ANNOUNCES SUMMER AVIATION PROGRAM

(Los Angeles, California -- May 14, 2003)  Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and its business and community partners have joined to host three free, week-long educational programs for middle and high school students to provide an introduction to careers in aviation.  The Junior Aviation Careers Education (ACE) Academy for middle school students is scheduled Monday, July 14 through Friday, July 18.  The High School ACE Academy is scheduled Monday, July 28 through Friday, Aug. 1.

The program provides participants with a basic understanding of career opportunities within the aviation industry, as well as general knowledge about LAX.  Students will receive facility tours and briefings by airport-wide employees and tenants.  Middle school students will spend a day with Southwest Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration, while high school students will spend a day with American Airlines and an afternoon at Torrance Airport.

Los Angeles World Airports Executive Director Lydia H. Kennard said, “It is important that students become exposed to the many career options in aviation.  The ACE Academy is a fun and exciting way to help increase awareness of the many opportunities available."

The program is open to students entering grades 7 through 12 from schools surrounding LAX including Culver City, El Segundo, Lennox, Westchester, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Venice and Los Angeles.  Applications from other areas will be accepted.  However, priority will be given to local-area students.  LAX partners include the Proud Bird Restaurant, Benbow Helicopter, the U.S. Coast Guard, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

For additional information or to receive an application, please contact Diana Sanchez or Marie Happ of the LAX Community Relations Division at (310) 646- 5742 or via e-mail at dsanchez@lawa.org.  Applications will be accepted until all spaces have been filled.