7th graders get a behind-the-scenes tour of Mitchell International Airport

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Many 7th graders like Kyra Aguillard have never been in an airport let alone an airplane, but that is no longer the case.

"I think this is really cool and it's awesome to get to see the pilots and the planes and to actually look inside and get behind the scenes," said Aguillard.

The students from Victory School were invited to Mitchell International Airport by Southwest Airlines.

They're kicking off the Council of Small Business Executives, or COSBE's "Be the Spark Education Tours."

"We believe that the process needs to start with young folks like yourself having the opportunity to see the wide variety of careers that are available," said COSBE Executive Director Mary Steinbrecher.

Throughout the school year COSBE will set up 25 MPS schools with tours of 25 businesses to get kids thinking about their future career path and connecting what they're learning in school to various jobs.

"Today you're going to see all of the inner workings and things that happen behind the scenes and get a chance to see all the things that you're learning in math, and science, and even in your reading classes really apply to the real world," said MPS Acting Superintendent Darienne Driver.

Students got to go through security checkpoints, walk on the tarmac, and even go into the cockpit.

"A lot of buttons and gadgets and seats and there are a lot of buttons," said 7th grader Victor Hudson.

Inspiring Aguillard to want to join the airline industry.

"I think I would try to be a pilot to actually fly. I'm not afraid of heights I like the heights," said Aguillard.

Opening young eyes and minds to a successful future.

Along with giving students a tour of the airport, Southwest Airlines donated $5,000 to the COSBE "Be the Spark Education Tours."