Steele Chapter Supports STEM at Arlington Career Center

More than 200 students explored careers in aviation, aerospace, and military service during the Career & Technical Education Expo held February 25 at the Arlington Career Center in Northern Virginia. The event was led by Tony Frazier, Aviation Technology Instructor, current Virginia AFA Teacher of the Year, and Vice President for Aerospace Education for AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter.

The Steele Chapter supported the expo by participating alongside aviation professionals from across the industry and military. Students had the opportunity to meet an F-16 pilot, recruiters from the 317th Recruiting Squadron, air traffic controllers, commercial pilots representing United, Delta, Frontier, and FedEx, as well as aviation maintenance professionals from Boeing.

Chapter members engaged students in discussions about Air Force and Space Force career paths, aerospace professions, and AFA scholarship opportunities. Several students expressed interest in military service and careers in the aerospace industry.

“Students and staff are still talking about the conversations, insights, and real-world perspectives shared,” Frazier said, “Events like this truly help our students connect classroom learning to future career pathways in aviation, aerospace, engineering, technology, and STEM.”

“It was inspiring to talk with these enthusiastic students about the Air Force and aerospace careers, as well as being lots of fun,” said Steele Chapter Secretary Bob Hill.

The expo demonstrated how partnerships between educators, industry professionals, recruiters, and AFA volunteers can inspire the next generation of Airmen, Guardians, and aerospace leaders.

Through events like this, the Steele Chapter continues advancing AFA’s mission to educate, advocate, and support the future of air and space power.