Aviation Week Network’s
20 Twenties Program
The 20 Twenties Program was established in 2013 to recognize talented individuals on course to change the face of the aviation, aerospace and defense industry.
Every year, Aviation Week Network inducts 20 of the brightest, most driven aerospace-bound STEM students in their 20s into the 20 Twenties program.
Since its inception, the 20 Twenties program has honored 220 students. They were chosen from nominations submitted by 192 schools in 39 countries. Top-ranked in academics, they have articulated the value of their research and design projects, dealt with personal struggles, and established a record of giving back to their communities.
Who are the 20 Twenties?
Each year prominent universities nominate their top students who are currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master’s degree program in STEM for the 20 Twenties program to recognize and cultivate the next generation of aviation, aerospace and defense leaders.
Why is the program so important?
Each year prominent universities nominate their top students who are currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master’s degree program in STEM for the 20 Twenties program to recognize and cultivate the next generation of aviation, aerospace and defense leaders.
Recognition & Awards Ceremony
The 20 students chosen for the 20 Twenties Awards, Class of 2026 will be honored at a Luncheon and celebrated at the Aviation Week Network’s annual Laureates Awards and Banquet in March 2026 in Washington, DC. In addition, all winners and their universities will be highlighted in Aviation Week & Space Technology and will receive a free digital subscription.
A focus on women and diversity in aviation, aerospace and defense
Aviation Week Network has learned from past nominees and winners about their passion for closing the gender gap in STEM and making education more accessible. Some have spent countless hours on outreach efforts to draw more women to aviation, aerospace and defense. Others have focused on increasing racial and economic diversity within STEM, both through involvement in campus organizations and work in their communities.
Aviation Week Network continually strives to increase the diversity amongst its nominees and winners of the 20 Twenties awards. We’ve done that by focusing on creating a more diverse team of evaluators and by updating the application to include the challenges and obstacles it has taken for nominees to reach their goals.
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