---
title: Introducing the Astronomer Champions Program for Apache Airflow®
description: >-
  Today, we're thrilled to announce the launch of the Astronomer Champions
  Program for Apache Airflow®, a global initiative designed to recognize and
  empower outstanding data practitioners who are dedicated advocates of this
  powerful open-source orchestration tool.
date: 2024-01-16T00:00:00.000Z
authors:
  - author: src/content/people/briana-steel.md
tags: []
categories: []
canonical_url: >-
  https://www.astronomer.io/blog/introducing-the-astronomer-champions-program-for-apache-airflow/
---
At [<u>Astronomer</u>](https://www.astronomer.io/), we believe in the power of community and the collective strength of passionate individuals who champion [<u>Apache Airflow®</u>](https://airflow.apache.org/). The strength and scale of the Airflow Community took years to build and is the result of both the project maintainers who do so much to keep pushing the boundaries of what Airflow can do, as well as the practitioners who use it every day in their organizations. Today, we're thrilled to announce the launch of the [<u>Astronomer Champions Program for Apache Airflow®</u>](https://www.astronomer.io/champions/), a global initiative designed to recognize and empower outstanding data practitioners who are dedicated advocates of this powerful open-source orchestration tool.

## Overview of the Program

The Champions Program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at elevating the knowledge, influence, and leadership of its committed members within the Apache Airflow® community. This program is not just about recognizing expertise but fostering a group of individuals who actively contribute to the growth and success of the Apache Airflow® Community.

The strength and vibrancy of the project comes from community members who generously invest their time committing to it. However, not all users are able to contribute code back directly. This program is designed for those community members who may be unable to contribute to the codebase but are eager to support the community in other meaningful ways. They champion Airflow within their own organizations, organize Meetups, jump in on forums, speak at events, publish content, and more. We believe these commendable efforts deserve wider acknowledgment, and this program is dedicated to precisely that purpose.&nbsp;

## Pilot Phase Unveiled

We are excited to introduce the Pilot Phase of our Champions Program, where we recognize outstanding data practitioners worldwide who have demonstrated excellence in leveraging the full capabilities of Apache Airflow® in diverse capacities.

Our Inaugural Cohort of 10 was hand-selected based on the extra mile they go daily within the Airflow Community— whether that be answering questions on the forum, hosting a meetup in their city, or a number of other efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cohorts 1, 2, and 3 will all be members of the Pilot Phase of this project, and will be instrumental in helping us refine the program, and make it a success for years to come. If you are interested in being involved in the Pilot Phase of our Champions Program, [<u>please apply here</u>](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSKVzfRf3wppjUbzx0dUzFLwoP66ZfQ6rYLjk9ZASzpKA2Dw/viewform).&nbsp;

## Meet Our Inaugural Champions

We are delighted to announce the initial cohort of Champions, a group of exceptional individuals from around the globe:

## What It Means to Be an Airflow Champion

**Impact Airflow Strategy**

Champions play a vital role in shaping Airflow's future by providing insights from the community to the Airflow team, influencing new features, products, and the roadmap.

**Never Stop Learning**

Champions enjoy beta access to certifications and training, constantly upleveling their Airflow skills to share with the broader community.

**Share Your Knowledge**

Through blog posts, speaking events, videos, or podcasts, Champions actively advance the Airflow mission by sharing their expertise with the larger community.

## Benefits of Being a Champion

**Exclusive Access and Recognition**

Champions receive direct access to Airflow builders through a dedicated Slack channel, complimentary tickets, and speaking opportunities at the Airflow Summit, as well as webinars on new features and tutorials.

**Pro Development and Education**

Champions enjoy free Airflow Fundamentals or DAG Authoring Certifications, along with beta access to new Academy Courses.

**Rewards and Support**

Champions receive promotion of their personal brand through content creation, financial support for conferences with advocacy opportunities, and exclusive swag.

## How to Become a Champion

We're actively seeking fervent supporters within the Apache Airflow® community to become part of our pioneering Champions Program. As a member, you'll enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including comped certifications, exclusive access to Airflow developers, beta access to new features, academy courses, and certifications...and of course, swag!

We invite data practitioners with a passion for Airflow to [<u>apply</u>](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSKVzfRf3wppjUbzx0dUzFLwoP66ZfQ6rYLjk9ZASzpKA2Dw/viewform) by sharing your community contributions.