Global Workforce and Community Development

Global Workforce and Community Development

AIAA is the trusted voice of the aerospace profession through innovation, technical excellence, and global leadership in aeronautics, aerospace research and development and space. We recognize that this role can only be fulfilled if all voices, perspectives, and talents are included in the conversation. We welcome and encourage contributions from people of all backgrounds and experiences across all facets of the Institute.

The future of the aerospace industry will benefit by utilizing and optimizing the contributions of the entire workforce. Our commitment is reflected in our strategic goal to Expand AIAA’s reach and influence around the world by developing local aerospace communities whose primary objective is to advance the professionalism of individuals and the industries they serve.

Programs and Recognition

  • Rising Stars in Aerospace

    The Rising Stars in Aerospace Program provides opportunities for underrepresented university students pursuing a degree in aerospace to attend an AIAA forum.

  • International Cooperation Award

    Award is presented to recognize an individual/s who have made significant contributions to the initiation, organization, implementation and /or management of activities with significant United States involvement that includes extensive international cooperative activities in space, aeronautics, or both.

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  • AIAA Mary W. Jackson Award

    This award recognizes an individual or group within AIAA who has devoted time and effort and made significant contributions to the advancement of under-represented communities within the Institute. It also seeks to raise awareness  of an organization that reflects the dmographics of society and brings attention to important and challenging issues within the aerospace workforce at large. Lastly, this award seeks to inspire other members to engage in activities that will promote the Institute’s goals and objectives.

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    Online Nominations open annually from 10 February – 1 June | Application  | Past Award Winners 

  • History and Heritage Month Salutes

    During various history and heritage months, AIAA will salute the aerospace contributions and achievements of AIAA members.

    If you would like to have a member recognized during one of the history and heritage months, please complete and submit a nomination . Self-nominations are accepted.

  • Celebrating Hispanic Contributions to Aerospace Webinar Celebrating Hispanic Contributions to Aerospace Webinar

    15 October 2024 - 15 October 2024 (All day)

    As we close out Hispanic Heritage Month, we continue to celebrate the contributions Hispanics make in the AIAA Domains of Aeronautics, Aerospace R&D, and Space.
  • 2024 Mary Jackson Named Lecture 2024 Mary Jackson Named Lecture

    26 March 2024 - 26 March 2024 (All day)

    This webinar is free and open to the public. The Mary Jackson Named Lecture is given in honor of Mary Jackson (1921-2005), who in 1958 became the first black female aerospace engineer at the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Lecture is jointly hosted by the Royal Aeronautical Society and the AIAA Diversity
  • Black History Month HBCU Spotlight: Tuskegee University Aerospace Engineering Department Black History Month HBCU Spotlight: Tuskegee University Aerospace Engineering Department

    16 February 2023 - 16 February 2023 (All day)

    wThis event is free and open to the public. Join Tuskegee University for this virtual presentation. Tuskegee University is the only Historically Black College and University to offer an ABET accredited Aerospace Engineering program. Come learn about how Tuskegee University continues to produce alumni who excel in aerospace. Javed Khan, Professor and Head of the Aerospace Science
  • Mock Interviewing Webinar Mock Interviewing Webinar

    7 October 2022 - 7 October 2022 (All day)

    Are you seeking an internship or full time position? Join the members of the AIAA Diversity Working Group as they share interviewing tips. You will then be paired up with a member of the Diversity Working Group and will put these tips to practice during a mock interview. To maintain the desired interviewer/interviewee ratio, advanced registration is
  • Resume Writing Webinar Resume Writing Webinar

    16 September 2022 - 16 September 2022 (All day)

    Join the members of the AIAA Diversity Working Group (DWG) as they share best practices for creating resumes to apply for government agency and industry jobs. 22 September Update: Slides from the webinar to be shared soon. Please check back periodically.
  • AIAA and NSBE Aerospace Special Interest Group Present A Tribute to Service: Community, Country, and Humanity AIAA and NSBE Aerospace Special Interest Group Present A Tribute to Service: Community, Country, and Humanity

    18 January 2021 - 18 January 2021 (All day)

    Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived his life serving others. Following his example, millions of Americans serve on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. AIAA and Aerospace Special Interest Group of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE Aerospace SIG) will recognize several Americans who exemplify Dr. King’s concept of service and demonstrate the contributions that are
  • 2021 Can I Be in Aerospace – Presented by WoAA 2021 Can I Be in Aerospace – Presented by WoAA

    23 April 2021 - 25 April 2024 (All day)

    You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to work in aerospace. Bringing humans and technology to space requires the work and support from people of all different backgrounds including communications, management, healthcare, engineering, and much more! Join us as our panelists discuss several different technical and non-technical career paths to working in the aerospace
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Aerospace Community and Workforce – Part I (ASCENDxWebinar) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Aerospace Community and Workforce – Part I (ASCENDxWebinar)

    15 July 2020 - 15 July 2020 (All day)

    Part I – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Aerospace Community and Workforce Join us for an interactive panel discussion on institutional transformations that address challenges and provide opportunities for African Americans within the aerospace workforce pipeline. Experts representing government, academia, and industry will highlight examples of initiatives and resources for K-12 and youth development,
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Aerospace Community and Workforce – Part II (ASCENDxWebinar) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Aerospace Community and Workforce – Part II (ASCENDxWebinar)

    21 July 2020 - 21 July 2020 (All day)

    Part II – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Aerospace Community and Workforce Join us for a dynamic session focused on discussing the experiences of women in the aerospace community. Leaders from professional engineering societies will address the opportunities and challenges faced by their members and highlight ongoing work toward diversity, equity, and inclusion. This