Sep14
12 seats remainingAirport Operations Immersion
In person · Atlanta, GA
A National Leadership Fellowship
Soaring
Scholars
Airport Leadership Initiative
Developing the next generation of airport executives—prepared, principled, and positioned to lead.
4Year Program
5Core Modules
100+Industry Partners
“The gap between aspiration and the executive suite is not talent—it is access.”
The Case for Soaring Scholars
Why Soaring Scholars
The Leadership Pipeline Airports Deserve
Airport executive and management roles have historically lacked pathways for high-potential scholars from growth communities. Soaring Scholars exists to change that.
Through a rigorous four-year cohort experience, scholars gain the leadership competencies, policy fluency, and executive exposure needed to lead the world's most complex transportation systems.
Our Vision
To be the premier national pipeline for developing resilient, principled, and visionary airport leaders who will shape the future of aviation.
Our Philosophy
Leadership Is Built Through Exposure and Responsibility
By connecting scholars directly with airport executives and real-world challenges, we prepare them to lead complex aviation systems with confidence and integrity.
01
Access & Equity
We remove barriers to executive pathways, creating access for high-potential scholars from growth communities who reflect the people airports serve.
02
Real-World Exposure
Scholars engage directly with airport CEOs, FAA officials, airline executives, and board members—not simulations, but actual leadership.
03
Systems Thinking
From airside operations to governance and policy, scholars develop the multi-dimensional perspective required of executive leaders.
04
Executive Mentorship
Each scholar is paired with a seasoned airport executive through structured mentorship circles, portfolio reviews, and executive shadowing.
Program at a Glance
A Four-Year Journey to Executive Readiness
Designed for high school juniors, seniors, and undergraduate scholars, the Soaring Scholars program builds leadership from the ground up—progressing through increasingly complex airport systems, governance, and executive practice.
Target Audience
HS Juniors & Seniors, Undergraduates
Program Length
Four Years
Learning Model
Hybrid / In-Person Cohort
Credential
Leadership Portfolio + Certificate
5Flagship Modules
Mentorship Program
Guidance That Opens Doors
Every scholar is paired with a senior airport or aviation industry professional who provides perspective, encouragement, and a direct connection to the world of work.
One-on-One Pairing
Build a trusted relationship with an experienced professional who understands your ambitions and helps you navigate your next steps.
Leadership Circles
Join structured conversations with peers and executives to practice communication, decision-making, and collaborative leadership.
Executive Shadowing
See airport leadership in action through firsthand exposure to operations, governance, and the decisions that keep systems moving.
Portfolio Reviews
Receive practical feedback from industry leaders as you develop a leadership portfolio that reflects your growth and readiness.
Four-Year Curriculum
Five Modules. One Trajectory.
Each module builds upon the last, progressing scholars from operational foundations to executive governance—culminating in a real-world leadership challenge.
Module 01
Soaring Scholars Bootcamp
Program Kick-Off
Scholars participate in a hybrid/in-person program orientation, establishing the cohort community, setting expectations for the four-year journey, and introducing the aviation ecosystem.
Technical Topics
- Aviation ecosystem overview
- History and milestones of airports
- Cohort norms and expectations
Leadership Topics
- Introduction to the executive leadership journey
- Scholar goal-setting and vision
Curated Experiences
- Cohort orientation and welcome reception
- Airport site orientation
Upcoming Events
Workshops & Events
Step outside the classroom and into the aviation ecosystem. Each gathering connects scholars with the people, places, and decisions shaping the future of flight.
2026 program calendar
Oct05
18 seats remainingLeadership & Executive Presence
Virtual workshop
Nov09
8 seats remainingAirport Infrastructure & Innovation
In person · Washington, D.C.
Jan18
20 seats remainingGovernance, Policy & Influence
Virtual workshop
Mar15
10 seats remainingCapstone Leadership Summit
In person · Dallas, TX
Program Outcomes
What Scholars Leave With
Upon completion of the four-year program, every Soaring Scholar will have developed the competencies, network, and executive presence required to lead in the aviation industry.
“If Harvard started an airport leadership fellowship program—this would be its mark.”
01
Executive Leadership
Demonstrate executive-level leadership behaviors and ethical decision-making skills cultivated through real-world application.
02
Airport Governance
Understand airport governance, finance, operations, and stakeholder engagement at the systems level.
03
Strategic Analysis
Analyze complex airport challenges and propose strategic solutions grounded in data and policy.
04
Executive Communication
Communicate effectively with boards, elected officials, airline partners, and community stakeholders.
05
Career Navigation
Navigate academic and professional pathways into airport executive roles with clarity and confidence.
The Soaring Scholars Experience
“Prepared. Principled. Positioned to Lead.”
The Soaring Scholars Leadership Summit brings together scholars, airport executives, elected officials, and industry leaders for a transformative capstone experience—the final milestone of the four-year journey.
Advisory Council
Led by the Industry's Finest Minds
Our Advisory Council comprises accomplished airport executives, aviation policy experts, and industry leaders who guide the program's direction and open doors for scholars.
A
Advisory Member
Advisory Council
Chief Executive Officer
Major International Airport
B
Advisory Member
Advisory Council
Deputy Director, Operations
Regional Airport Authority
C
Advisory Member
Advisory Council
Senior Director, Federal Aviation Administration
USDOT
D
Advisory Member
Advisory Council
Vice President, Government Affairs
Major U.S. Airline
E
Advisory Member
Advisory Council
Airport Board Commissioner
Metropolitan Airport Authority
F
Advisory Member
Advisory Council
Dean, School of Aviation
National University
Advisory Council members to be announced. Positions open for distinguished aviation executives.
Applications Now Open
Begin Your
Leadership Journey
Soaring Scholars selects a cohort of high-potential scholars each year who demonstrate the drive, curiosity, and character to become the next generation of airport executives. Apply to join us.
Eligibility Requirements
- High school juniors and seniors with strong academic standing
- Undergraduate scholars (any major) with leadership potential
- Demonstrated interest in public service, transportation, or aviation
- Commitment to completing the full four-year program
- Letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or mentor