OLW Cadettes Learn About Aviation Jobs at O'Hare

Seventeen members of Girl Scout Cadette Troop 40032 of Our Lady of the Wayside, Arlington Heights, went behind the scenes at O'Hare International Airport on Monday to get an up-close look at how science, technology, engineering and math inform the field of aviation.

The visit was part of the Girl Scouts' enhanced focus on STEM and familiarizing girls with the skills and careers that will be in high demand in the 24/7 global world of the 21st Century.

"We are very excited to have the opportunity to expose the girls to careers within the airline industry at an age when they're starting to think about their future education and careers," Karen Niesman, a troop leader, said. "It is important to us that the girls feel empowered to go after careers that can be technically challenging. With the right math, science and technology courses, they can be successful in any technically based career."

Job forecasts indicate that there will be a shortage of qualified talent to fill jobs in science, technology, engineering and math in the decades ahead. Those fields traditionally have been male dominated.

"It is in the best interest of the U.S. economy to help prepare girls for tomorrow's workforce," said Maria Wynne, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, who addressed the Girl Scouts at the airport event.

The troop met with a pilot, a mechanic and toured the control tower of American Airlines, which hosted the event. As part of our commitment to the community, we were delighted to host the Girl Scouts and acquaint them with the field of aviation, which needs the very best minds in science, technology, engineering and math," said Tom Aichele, Central Division Sales, American Airlines.

Cadette Troop 40032 is led by Arlington Heights residents Mary Czulno, Mary Walters, Margaret Drab and Karen Niesman.