MATHER, CA (MPG) - Princess Stoebe had never flown an airplane before Saturday. By the time the Clarksville Charter School sophomore climbed out of the cockpit at Mather Airport, a longtime goal of becoming a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot had moved a little closer to reality.

Stoebe was one of four winners in the California Capital Airshow’s 2026 Destination Aviation essay contest, earning an introductory flight before a free event that brought over 300 middle and high school students to Hangar 6 on Aug. 22 to explore careers in aviation, aerospace and science, technology, engineering and math.

“I was delighted when I found out I had won,” Stoebe said. “It was my first time flying, so that was great. I’ve always wanted to get into aviation, but now it’s made me even more determined.”

Destination Aviation, part of the California Capital Airshow’s year-round youth outreach, gave students ages 12 to 18 a chance to meet industry professionals, try flight simulators, examine aircraft and vehicles, and interact with working aerospace equipment. Photo courtesy of Mark E. Loper Photography

Destination Aviation, part of the California Capital Airshow’s year-round youth outreach, gave students ages 12 to 18 a chance to meet industry professionals, try flight simulators, examine aircraft and vehicles, and interact with working aerospace equipment and technology prototypes.

California Capital Airshow CEO Darcy Brewer said the program is designed to show students how broad aviation and aerospace careers have become and introduce them to jobs they may not yet know exist.

“If you can’t see it, you can’t be it,” Brewer said.

Brewer said the organization has expanded its youth programming as technology has changed the industry, with students now learning about fields including drones, electric vertical takeoff aircraft, sustainable fuels, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence.

Beyond the panel, students moved through exhibits featuring aircraft, simulators, equipment and technology. Photo courtesy of Mark E. Loper Photography

The event’s panel included retired Air Force Col. Merryl Tengesdal, the first and only Black woman to pilot the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft; Skye Carapetyan of Siemens; Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory research scientist Michael Zelinski; and Sacramento City College Dean of Technology and Innovation Paul Estabrook.

Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized that technical knowledge is only part of preparing for a career in aviation or STEM. They encouraged students to strengthen communication and interpersonal skills, maintain a positive attitude, arrive on time and build a foundation in subjects such as math and physics.

Panelists also urged students to begin building connections and gaining experience now by joining clubs or organizations with others who share their interests, attending events such as Destination Aviation and reaching out to professionals in fields they hope to pursue. They encouraged students not to be afraid to ask questions or seek help as they work toward their goals.

Destination Aviation panelists hold ceremonial keys to the city presented by Rancho Cordova Vice Mayor Linda Budge on Aug. 22 at Mather Airport. Budge recognized the panelists for helping introduce local students to aviation, STEM education and career opportunities. Photo courtesy of Mark E. Loper Photography

Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez told students that seeing those careers firsthand can turn curiosity into a goal.

“It is one thing to watch an aircraft fly overhead,” Rodriguez said. “It is another to stand beside it. Meet the people who fly it and maintain it and begin to imagine yourself doing the same thing.”

Beyond the panel, students moved through exhibits featuring aircraft, simulators, equipment and technology while speaking directly with professionals about training, education and career opportunities.

For Stoebe’s father, Alexander Stoebe, watching his daughter take her first flight demonstrated the value of giving students that exposure.

“I’m very proud of her,” he said. “It gives the kids the opportunity to start, get a feeling for it.”

The California Capital Airshow has offered youth programs since 2010. Brewer said the free programs range from activities for elementary school students to internships and scholarships for older students.

The nonprofit’s annual California Capital Airshow is scheduled for Oct. 10-11, with proceeds helping support its youth programs.