The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is starting the third year of its partnership with Olive-Harvey College to offer a free continuing education course aimed at preparing local residents for aviation careers. For the first time, members of CDA’s senior and executive leadership team will participate as lecturers.
Launched in 2023, the course introduces students to various aspects of Chicago’s aviation sector, including airport operations, federal partnerships, airline coordination, and safety regulations. This year’s expanded program will feature more than a dozen CDA officials sharing their expertise directly with students.
“The strength and future of Chicago’s airports depend on the talent of our workforce,” said CDA Commissioner Michael J. McMurray. “As experienced aviation professionals begin to retire, rebuilding that pipeline is essential. This class creates that pathway by giving Chicagoans, regardless of background, direct exposure to the wide range of careers available in aviation.”
More than 200 students have completed the course since it began. Participants gain knowledge about how airports operate, safety and security requirements, and business opportunities at Chicago’s airports.
“Olive-Harvey College is proud to continue our partnership with the Chicago Department of Aviation in expanding meaningful pathways into one of Chicago’s most dynamic industries. This program reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are and connecting them with careers that meet their passion. By opening our classrooms to CDA’s executive team, we are giving our students unprecedented access to real-world opportunity and learning from industry leaders. This ensures that Chicagoans are not only prepared to enter the aviation workforce, but better equipped to lead it,” said Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth, president of Olive-Harvey College.
The eight-week course meets twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m., mostly online via Zoom with some in-person sessions such as an airport tour for hands-on experience.
Course topics include airport business administration, project support, finance and budgeting, procurement and vendor management, workforce development, intergovernmental affairs and planning policy, career pathways recap, and an on-site airport experience.
The next session starts March 3, 2026; there will be no class during Spring Break week (March 23). Additional sessions are planned for summer and fall semesters this year.
Those interested can find more information or apply through flychicago.com/ACPP or City Colleges of Chicago’s website.
The CDA oversees O’Hare and Midway International Airports—key economic drivers in the region—and manages these facilities without relying on local or state taxes (official website). The department advances economic growth through responsible management (official website) while supporting regional jobs (official website). Michael J. McMurray serves as commissioner (official website).
