No one can deny that the cost of entering the aviation industry can be expensive. But with a little detective work, industry hopefuls can find organizations with scholarship offerings to help make up some of the shortfalls. One organization that Flying has been recommending for years is Women in Aviation International. Each year they offer a cornucopia of assistance to member pilots and industry wannabes no matter where they are along the educational ladder. Here’s another secret. Membership is open to all—not just women. I’ve been a member for decades, and the association is also a treasure-trove of professional help for pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers, engineers and others.
WAI has announced the opening of its 2022 scholarships. In 2021, WAI awarded 149 scholarships valued at $731,805 that included 47 scholarships awarded through a $250,000 Conrad N. Hilton Foundation grant. The total amount of scholarships awarded by WAI since 1995 is now more than $14.5 million.
In a news release, WAI said, “Currently, there are 98 scholarships totaling $479,505 offered for flight training, engineering, maintenance, dispatcher, drones, and professional development for individuals in all stages of life. Additional scholarships and internships will be added in the coming weeks and months, with over 100 scholarships expected to be posted by the fall. Applicants are encouraged to check for new scholarships often and may apply for up to three scholarships per year.
“The 2022 scholarships will be awarded during the 33rd Annual International Women in Aviation Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, from March 17 to 19, 2022. In order to qualify for a scholarship, the applicant must be a WAI member as of October 1, 2021. The deadline for 2022 scholarships is October 12, 2021. Details of each scholarship, application requirements, FAQs, plus tips for submitting a winning application can be found at wai.org/scholarships.”
