There are many careers in aviation, and the education it takes to get them can be expensive. For the last 25 years, Avfuel Corp. has been making it a little easier on select individuals by providing scholarships.
At the end of 2023 the fuel giant awarded one AVTRIP scholarship recipient and three pilot-in-training grants.
Cherry Kan was the recipient of the $2,000 AVTRIP scholarship. AVTRIP is the company’s pilot loyalty reward program, and the money is available to members.
“I feel incredibly honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the AVTRIP scholarship, generously supported by Avfuel,” said Kan. “Navigating this journey, becoming a professional pilot as a second career, the scholarship will not only provide valuable financial assistance but also grant a sense of support from Avfuel. Beyond the immediate financial aid, being a scholarship recipient deepens my connection to the AVTRIP rewards program as a pilot, and I eagerly look forward to being a loyal member for years to come. My ultimate career aspiration is to fly internationally for a Michigan-based company as a corporate pilot. I am beyond grateful that Avfuel is with me on this journey.”
Rachel Marrow was the winner of a $1,500 pilot-in-training scholarship. Marrow already holds a private pilot certificate and is pursuing her instrument rating and commercial certificate.
“This scholarship holds immense significance for me as it serves as a crucial financial aid toward realizing my aspiration of becoming an airline pilot,” Marrow said. “The financial burden associated with flight training is substantial, and this scholarship will alleviate some of the costs for both myself and my family.”
Marrow hopes her story inspires others, adding that earningthe scholarship has reignited her commitment to achieving not only personal success but also serving as an inspiration for aspiring female aviators.
“I aim to share my passion for flying during my CFI training, breaking down barriers and encouraging others to pursue their aviation dreams,” she said.
Tariq Collins, a flight attendant from the South Side of Chicago, was the recipient of the $1,000 Avfuel pilot-in-training scholarship. Collins took his first ride on an airplane at the age of 6 and says it “forever changed his life,” thanks to the pilots on board. He is particularly interested in investing his time in aviation education to increase awareness of opportunities in underrepresented communities.
“I want to be the inspiration for someone else that looks like me to be able to pursue their dreams with confidence,” said Collins, adding that he plans to become a captain with a major airline.
Evan Unzicker was the recipient of the $500 Avfuel pilot-in-training scholarship. Unzicker is an early high school graduate now enrolled at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. His professional goal is to become a private pilot, and he says the scholarship will be a big help as he has been working various part-time jobs to pay for his schooling.
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Avfuel has been providing fuel and services, including sustainable fuel and initiatives, to the global market for more than 50 years. It’s difficult to find an airport that isn’t served by its products.
The company noted these four recipients of the AVTRIP and pilot-in-training scholarships came in addition to another $30,000 awarded in 2023 as part of the Sheltair & Avfuel: Future Takes Flight Scholarship Program, which provides $5,000 scholarships to six aviators.
“It is incredible to see the true passion these students have for aviation—a passion we at Avfuel share,” said Marci Ammerman, vice president of marketing at Avfuel. “It is our honor to reward aspiring and inspiring aviators. In doing so, we can support the future of an industry we love. It’s a mission we continue to prioritize year after year.”
Applications for the 2024 AVTRIP and pilot-in-training scholarships open in April. The 2024 Sheltair & Avfuel: Future Takes Flight Scholarship Program applications are now available online through August 31.
More information can be found on the Avfuel website.
