Women in Aviation Opens 2019 Scholarship Applications

Women in Aviation International announced that it has opened its application process for scholarships to be awarded at its next annual conference, set for Long Beach on March 14 to 16, 2019. The organization said it would hand out at least 108 scholarships for a total value of $565,000.

The number of scholarships, as well as the value, is expected to increase before the end of the application period, which closes on November 12. Some scholarship providers are expected to increase their contributions at the conference. This year, WAI awarded its applicants nearly $700,000 worth of scholarships at its Reno conference. The organization has handed out close to $11.5 million since 1995.

There is something for all levels of aviation enthusiasts on the list of WAI’s scholarships, whether a budding pilot or working toward a career in aviation, whether flying or not. There are even scholarships targeted toward retired professionals.

Applicants can scroll through and choose up to three scholarships on the Women in Aviation International website. Application requirements include a WAI membership, two recommendation letters, a 500-word essay and a resume. Copies of medical certificates and logbook data are required for flight scholarships and some scholarships have other specific requirements. The scholarships are not limited to pilots, but also include aviation business management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft dispatch, engineering and more.

“With a WAI scholarship, attaining an aviation career becomes more possible when the financial burden is eased,” said WAI’s president, Peggy Chabrian. “Our scholarships have literally changed the lives of the hundreds of women who have benefited from the generosity of benefactors ranging from multinational corporations to individuals.”