The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, is offering a series of free educational programs this fall aimed at students, aspiring pilots, cybersecurity enthusiasts, and working professionals. The initiatives, which run from September through November, are designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities while introducing participants to careers in aviation, STEM, and cybersecurity. According to museum officials, the programs reflect the institution’s ongoing commitment to education and workforce development.
“Education is central to the Museum’s mission, and these programs allow us to reach learners at different stages, from young people exploring aviation and cybersecurity to professionals building new skills,” said Tina Harris, Education Specialist with the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. “By offering hands-on learning experiences like these, we can help participants better understand the opportunities available to them and encourage continued learning in aviation, STEM and cybersecurity.”
(Image credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Tyler Greenlees)
One of the featured offerings is the museum’s Introduction to Becoming a Pilot program, which is open to students ages 14 to 18. The free course combines classroom instruction with hands-on flight simulator training, giving participants an introduction to fundamental flight concepts such as takeoffs, landings, navigation, climbs, descents, and cross-country flying. Students receive one-on-one instruction from volunteer flight instructors and may advance to a follow-on course, Complex Aircraft 201, after successfully completing the introductory program.
Several after-school and accelerated-session options will be available between September and December. The program is supported by the Air Force Museum Foundation. The museum is also preparing for the Fall 2026 season of the National Cyber League, a nationwide cybersecurity competition that allows high school and college students to develop practical skills through real-world challenges. Participants will gain experience in areas such as ethical hacking, digital forensics, cryptography, network traffic analysis, vulnerability assessment, and web application security. Students selected for the museum’s National Cyber League team will take part in virtual Cyber Open Gym training sessions before competing in person at the museum during the Individual Game in late October and the Team Game in early November. Participation is free, although registration is required.
(Image credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Tyler Greenlees)
In addition to student-focused programs, the museum will host a professional development course titled AWR-421: Demystifying Cyber Attacks on Nov. 3. The one-day course is designed for participants without a technical cybersecurity background and will examine how cyberattacks are conducted, how organizations respond to them, and strategies for reducing cyber risks. The course is intended for business leaders, government officials, managers, and employees seeking a better understanding of cybersecurity threats and defenses. No previous cybersecurity training is required. Enrollment is limited, and registration closes Oct. 8.
(Image credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Tyler Greenlees)
The museum said the programs are part of its broader effort to connect learners of all ages with educational experiences that support aviation, technology, and workforce development opportunities. For more information, eligibility requirements, registration details for all programs, and to support the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, click on this link: www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
