Students across the Mid-Atlantic region will have a major opportunity to jump-start careers in aviation this fall as Rider Jet Center hosts the 19th Annual Aviation Education & Career Expo at Hagerstown Regional Airport. Scheduled for Friday, November 7, the event will bring together over 1,000 attendees for a full day of career exploration, industry demonstrations, and scholarship opportunities totaling more than $150,000.
Continues after this brief message…
Did you know? Paid supporters get a reduced ad experience!

We know you value local news and entertainment that is free, open, and independent. Producing high-quality, paywall-free content isn't free. It takes time, effort, and resources to keep you informed and entertained. Unlike corporate media, we don’t have deep-pocketed investors or big advertisers funding our work—we rely on you, our readers and listeners, to keep Radio Free Hub City running. We're literally running on a shoe-string budget, but keep working hard to provide as much news and entertainment as we can.
If just 5% of local area residents became paid supporters at only $5 per month, we could meet our fundraising goals and continue expanding our news coverage depth while continuing to provide free access for everyone. So, if you'd like to help us in our continuing quest to improve our coverage, please consider becoming a paying supporter.
Will you be one of the 5%?
Thank you for supporting Radio Free Hub City!
Targeting students between the ages of 16 and 22, the Expo will connect young people directly with aviation professionals and employers, offering hands-on learning through demonstrations, exhibits, and face-to-face engagement with experts from more than 60 aviation-related organizations. Key participants include the U.S. military, flight schools, aircraft maintenance firms, drone operators, government agencies, and emergency medical aviation units. These interactions aim to foster interest in high-demand careers across the aviation and aerospace sectors.
This year’s scholarships come in various forms including cash awards, training packages, and school-specific grants, giving eligible students a significant financial boost toward flight training or aviation education. Notable demonstrations include a static display from the U.S. Coast Guard’s Dauphin helicopter, a medevac helicopter from Maryland State Police, and maintenance showcases from South Mountain Aviation.
Article continues after these messages…
We didn't pick our name by accident. While other outlets are proud to be government 'Partners,' we are proud to be exactly what our namesake requires: Free from government influence, and free from government censorship. We don't lock our news behind a paywall, will you help us keep it that way? If you're tired of news sweetened with confirmation bias that never questions the 'official story', consider becoming a monthly supporter. Just $5/month helps fund our local reporting, live election night coverage, and more.
The Expo will also feature an aircraft exhibition by the Hagerstown Aviation Museum and motivational talks by aviation professionals including military personnel, FAA representatives, and flight demonstration pilots. With over 65 vendors and educational institutions on site, students will have access to resources and mentorship critical for entering the aviation field. Sponsorships from industry groups such as the Airline Pilots Association and the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation further expand the event’s offerings.
Local families and students interested in aviation careers should consider registering early, as opportunities for scholarships and industry networking are limited. Community members and businesses can still contribute to the event as sponsors or donors.
Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from Rider Jet Center press release
Do you believe we got something wrong? Please read our publishing standards and corrections policy.
Did you know? Supporters get a reduced ad experience!
Sponsored Articles
Get daily and breaking news for Washington County, MD area from Radio Free Hub City. Sign up with your email today!
Paid supporters have a reduced ad experience!
Discover more from Radio Free Hub City
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.


