Caylee, The Winner of a Private Pilot Scholarship, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the first winner for the 2013 Summer Scholarship Program: Caylee Johanson!

Girls With Wings offers two scholarship opportunities twice yearly. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship is targeting those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. The Private Pilot Scholarship is an award in the amount of $1000.00.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

From Caylee:

My dad, a helicopter pilot, introduced me to flying. He used to take me to lunch in the bowling alley parking lot across from Bradley International Airport and watch the planes fly in and out. For as long as I can remember, the passion of aviation has run through my veins and every time I hear an airplane or helicopter my eyes drift toward the sky. My mom always wanted me to go directly into flying after high school and in hindsight she was probably right. It was impressed upon me to work towards a “practical” degree, though. I set a goal for myself which I achieved when I graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology Suma Cum Laude with the highest GPA of the graduating Mechanical Engineering Technology major and second in the graduating class overall. The desire to challenge myself grew. What was next on the list? 

I took my first flight lesson in October 2011. I soloed on February 19, 2012 after 15 hours of flight time! Unfortunately, a family illness overshadowed my life and I am now in graduate school at the University of Hartford studying for a dual-masters degree in mechanical engineering and business administration. Again I have set the goal to graduate at the top of my class. 

 I recently began ground school with the plan to pass the written test by the fall and begin flying again. This scholarship will get me back in the cockpit to review maneuvers and landings so I can fly my solo cross-country. With 32 hours of flight time behind me, I know I would be able to complete my training within a few months. 

In college I was very privileged to be able to become familiar with different jobs through internship programs. I’ve been able to work as a product safety engineer ensuring the reliability of the space suits that NASA astronauts wear and when applying to graduate school, I was accepted for a research grant with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This grant led me down the path towards nuclear engineering and I currently intern with a company testing the ability of our nation’s nuclear power plants to withstand earthquakes. While these experiences will enhance my ability to promote women’s studies in aviation and its related fields, the aviation industry is what truly inspires me. 

My passion for flying is waiting to explode as I work and study with an antsy feeling in my body that I just have to get out there, into the world! I know that aviation is my passion and I will always feel that something is missing until I get my pilots license and am working in the aviation industry. I know that when I do get my license I will feel as free as the birds that join me in the sky, knowing that I have the ability to explore all that this earth has to offer. Aviation incites in me a spirit of adventure! As Ernest Hemingway said, “Escape. Reach the inaccessible. Make the world your own.” This will all become possible with that ticket in my hand. 

I always think back to the little girl who fell in love with the skies. The one who wrote next to her fourth grade year book picture for everyone to see, “When I grow up I want to be a pilot”. I want to be a role model to the Girls With Wings community to prove that you can achieve your elementary school dreams. 

Being a woman in both the aviation and engineering industries, I know what it can be like in a male dominated field. Luckily I have been greeted with nothing but support thus far but I know it is not as easy for other women out there. I strive to promote women in engineering and aviation fields to make it easier for the future generations to break through. 

 I am a member of the Ninety-Nines, Women in Aviation, AOPA and the Society of Women Engineers. My association with these groups has shown me how many opportunities there are for women and girls to gain experience, support and general information in various aviation industries. I wish that I had been exposed to these groups when I was younger and had an opportunity to be involved in the aviation community sooner. Now my main goal is to share these opportunities. I volunteer annually at the New England Air Museum’s Women Take Flight program to talk with young girls and to help plant the seed to their aviation and engineering passions. I also work the 99’s booth at the annual Simsbury Fly In to promote aviation and plan to give presentations throughout my local school system to give back and inspire. My ability to share aviation will only increase when I get my license and I am able to provide the gift of flight. 

Like most young girls, I look up to all of the women who have blazed the trail before me; the women who are more experienced and have so many amazing accomplishments and stories to tell; the women who have such a fire for what they do but all the while are classy, modest and encouraging; the women who are proud of where they are but do not forget where they came from and push others to reach their own goals. While I will never stop looking up to them, now want to be one of those women. I want to be someone that girls can come to for advice, encouragement or just a story showing that I relate to the fact that they can’t get their landings or radio communication right and they are not alone. 

As a role model for the Girls With Wings community, one of the best pieces of advice I can provide is to “Make yourself proud.” This is a quote I live by; I carry a piece of paper with the saying on it everywhere I go. There is even one in my flight bag. In intense fields such as aviation and engineering, it is difficult not to get caught up with how well others are doing and where you stand in relation. It is best to realize and respect the fact that everyone learns differently and at their own pace. I set my personal standards high, work extremely hard in all that I do and simply strive to make myself proud of the effort I put in. I can’t wait to see how far this gets me in flying and in life! 

I have many dreams and challenges I’ve set for myself. I plan to pursue my instrument rating, commercial license and continue on with a helicopter rating as well. Learning to bush fly in Alaska for a summer is on my aviation bucket list too. I have a desire to use my flying for the better. I will love to volunteer with Pilots and Paws or as a transport pilot in remote areas of the world to deliver supplies. Dreams and goals are what keep me going. Life should be a never ending set of challenges that you give to yourself. Meeting those challenges and surpassing not only other people’s standards but the higher one’s you set for yourself are what makes life exciting and great. Regardless of where I do end up in the aviation industry I want my 8 year old self to be proud that I didn’t give up on such a rare dream. 

Best wishes to you, Caylee. We look forward to hearing about your training!

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.


Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Devin, The Winner of a Private Pilot Scholarship, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the second winner for the 2013 Summer Scholarship Program: Devin Ward!

Girls With Wings offers two scholarship opportunities twice yearly. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship is targeting those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. The Private Pilot Scholarship is an award in the amount of $1000.00.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

From Devin:


Straight to the point: My goal is to achieve a private pilot certificate before school starts in late August. I realize this is ambitious considering the limited time left for me to fulfill the requirements, such as cross country flight, but I will work my utmost to make it happen. Furthering my flight skills is important to me, and I love to end each lesson knowing I have improved. In fact, just having flown amazes me and makes me smile in fascination every time. I hope to promote the sheer wonder of flight and the boundless possibilities in life to girls for the Girls With Wings organization. Nothing excites me more than learning, and I love to help people around me to share that excitement. Becoming a role model for the Girls With Wings organization will allow me to inspire girls to try new things that exceed their self-imposed limitations.

To be honest, I don't know exactly know what I want to do later in life; I haven't had an epiphany of the perfect career for myself, haven't had a dream career since I was little to work toward. My path is unclear, but that's OK. I accept life as a learning process. I'll encourage people to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way, no matter if it seems impossible or far from where they see themselves going in the future. I think this is one reason many girls don't even try to experience aviation. Too many people seem stuck to what they view as their realistic potential, and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. If people just get out there and try new things, they can discover so much more than they imagined. Or at least, that's what's happened to me. 

My first big opportunity to view the world of aviation was through the Tuskegee Airmen Mile High Flight Program in 2012. I owe my current passion toward flying to them. The program had two phases. Phase 1 was free and open to any who applied and we went to guided tours of aviation-related places each month. To name a few, we went to the Wings Over the Rockies Flight Museum, the Air Force Academy, and even the United Airlines training facility where we had the pleasure of flying their professional training flight simulators. Our penultimate trip in Phase 1 was going up in a glider. By this time only about 15 of the original 25 or so students remained in the program. The glider was amazing. I had never before been in any small aircraft and to soar without any power, yet be completely in control, was an experience I'll never forget. I had been extremely nervous beforehand because I had literally thought aircraft had to be precariously balanced in the air, lest they plummet unceremoniously to the ground, but now I understand the saying "the airplane wants to fly." I even got to handle the controls in the air! The final Phase 1 trip was a flight in a Cessna 182, where again I was very nervous, but in the end wished the flight had been longer. I realized how much I loved being able to look out at the tiny houses and cars below, free as a bird. 

Phase 2 was the really special part of the program. It was only offered to two students of Phase 1 who demonstrated commitment and passion toward aviation through an essay, and an interview, and performance during Phase 1. Phase 2 included fully paid flight training at the Aspen Flying Club until solo, and I am proud to say I was selected. Without that scholarship funding, I would not have receive the training it took to get my solo pilot's license. Before I made it to Phase 2, I hadn't ever imagined myself as a pilot. This opening into the world of flight changed my life, which is how I know the importance of these opportunities and want to help organizations that provide them. 

I've been able to continue my training towards a private pilot's license through the generosity of people who support my passion to fly. My instructor halved his normal price for my training, the same deal given to the Tuskegee Airmen program. The scholarship money would really help me continue my training and reach my goal. 

I realize I haven't touched on the grievances of a woman in a man's world, but that is because I absolutely think a career in aviation is as possible for girls as for boys. Aviation is a wonderful profession for anyone who discovers the joy of flight. I've been welcomed with open wings into the flying community and every pilot I've ever met has encouraged me, given me tips, or just been a pleasure to talk to, even if they are mostly men. If you love it, go for it! If you don't know whether you love it, try it! That's my motto. Now that I know how much I love flight, I'm willing to work to make it part of my future. 

My main message to everyone: Nothing bad can come of experiencing as much as you can. If something new comes along, even if you think you won't fit into the group because of gender or ethnicity or whatever, TRY. It's OK to be unsure. You'll not like some things but be glad you tried. Grab a hold of as many opportunities as possible and appreciate them. Whatever you learn will become surprisingly useful and overlap in everyday life. Be proud for having gone out of your way to do something new, whether it is flying or something else; always stop to consider what you're able to do and how amazing it is. 

We like "straight to the point," Devin, and your main message. We look forward to hearing about your training!

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.


Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Diana, The Winner of a Dreams Take Flight Scholarship, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the first winner for a 2013 Spring Scholarship Program: Diana LeSueur!

The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

Here is Diana's application essay:

I have been teaching science in Mesa, Arizona for 24 years. Eleven years ago I was selected to work with 5th grade students throughout the Mesa Public School District on scientific principles using the theme of aviation. The custom designed classroom, we call the Flight Center, is equipped with the technology to allow students to apply the knowledge they have learned. Here, the students are pilots-in-training and I play the role of their flight instructor. We begin with a practice flight using Hartel trainers. The class divides into groups and rotates through the following stations: COMPUTERS - Flying a Cessna 172 on one of eight computers set up with Microsoft Flight Simulator, control stick and rudder pedals. DISCOVERY - Engage in science experiments relating to principles that effect flight. HELICOPTER TRAINER- Built from parts of an MD500, students experience the technology and applications of helicopter flight. AIRPLANE SIMULATOR - The simulator has control surfaces, like a real plane, which move as different maneuvers are performed. It climbs, dives, rolls, and yaws left and right, in response to the pilot moving the control stick and rudder pedals.

In addition to the Flight Center during the school year, I started a summer aviation program for middle school students. I am able to cover expenses by receiving grants from Boeing and a partnership with the Commemorative Air Force at Falcon Field Airport. We integrate scientific process skills, careers, history of flight and transportation, engineering skills and the principles of flight through activities and guest speakers including professional and private pilots, air craft mechanics, ATCs and more. We take them on field trips to the Air National Guard, aviation businesses, flight schools and local airports. The students also have the unique opportunity to visit Boeing, home of the Apache AH-64.

As I have watched some of my students progress to become Civil Air Patrol cadets, pilots and aeronautical engineers, childhood dreams have resurfaced and my desire to be a pilot has grown stronger. I thought at my age it might be too late to pursue an adventure such as this. Through the encouragement of a couple lady pilot friends, teachers I have met at international teacher conferences, and friends from the Air National guard, I learned that it is never too late! I also realized that the more I learn about aviation, the better instructor I am and the more impact I can have on the youth.

My goal is to add another dimension to my life in aviation by earning my private pilot certificate and become a certified flight instructor. Maybe some of my current students will be my ‘real’ flight students in the future. I encourage all of them to explore their options within aviation and I am doing this myself.

I was selected by Boeing to attend Space Camp for Educators in 2011. I present at SEEC, Space Exploration Educator Conference, and I teach professional development trainings in my school district. I have presented our aviation programs at local events such as fly-ins and Sci-Tech conferences. I am involved with cub scouts and am an aviation merit badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America. I have become involved with Think Global Flight, the Ninety-Nines, and Women in Aviation. They have been a wonderful source of guidance and encouragement.

I look forward to my involvement in the Girls With Wings organization. This will be an invaluable source of inspiration throughout my flight training. I would also be honored to eventually become a role model for Girls With Wings. My desire is to give back to the community, and by sharing my experiences and passion I hope to reach and motivate more girls to follow their dreams. It is important for the youth to have mentors who can influence them to reach higher and achieve more than they thought possible. I strive to be that kind of mentor.

I set up a separate savings account for my flight training and have been saving money for a couple years. My husband and son are pulling together to support and encourage me. My teaching position is part-time and my husband is self-employed, working on building his own business, therefore money is very tight. I have enough saved to get through a good portion of my training and hope that I will be awarded scholarships to help. If needed, I will use a loan to complete my training. I will reach my goal! I plan to be in the position to one day pay back to scholarship funds and help another student pilots realize their dreams as I am doing.

I am ready to push through barriers in my path to realize my dream of becoming a pilot and would be thrilled to be chosen as a recipient of The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship.

We wish Diana great success in the pursuit of her dreams! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Caitlin, The Winner of a Dreams Take Flight Scholarship, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the second winner for a 2013 Spring Scholarship Program: Caitlin Lyons!

The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

Here is Caitlin's application essay: 

My name is Caitlin Lyons and I’m a student pilot out of Republic Airport in Farmingdale, NY. I live and work in New York City and commute out to the airport on public transportation. I take the subway three stops, ride the Long Island Railroad for 45 minutes, and then walk a mile from the train station to the airport. 

The thing I found most surprising during my journey, so far, to obtain my pilot’s license was at the start. It took me awhile to build up the courage to admit to my pilot boyfriend I wanted to take flight lessons. I don’t know why, I was just scared his reaction wouldn’t be the supportive one it turned out to be. We were on vacation with all his pilot friends and their girlfriends, but I took the opportunity of being alone to express the desire to start flight training that had been burning inside me for about six months. He was amazing and we started formulating a plan for my training when his friend and his girlfriend entered the room and asked what we were talking about. My boyfriend told them to my embarrassment; at the time I wanted it private. Now, here’s the surprise, the girlfriend just told me it was "just a phase" and she went through it too. I was quite taken aback at that, especially coming from another female. I felt put down and not taken seriously, it put more motivation in me to acquire my license and show her it’s not something I want to do just because my boyfriend does it. As Amelia Earhart said, “I want to do because I want to do it.” I’m not a girl who gives up on dreams easily, especially if it’s challenging. I believe women should support other women in their dreams, and definitely with ones that are perceived difficult for women. Even though our gender has come a long way, there are still people who will tell us it’s not possible and put us down, we don’t need that from within our community. 

I find myself desperately wanting to do something to help girls and women to know the joys of flying, but feel restricted because I've yet to earn my Private Pilot's License. I've started a blog, cessnachick.com. Not only to record my process for myself, but in hopes that it'll reach some others and inspire them to take up flight training. I hope when I've accomplished that goal to continue learning and be able to make a difference and help inspire young girls to fly. I’ve looked for opportunities promote general aviation, but never seem to have the qualifications, whether it is just a Private Pilot’s License or a CFI. Girls With Wings scholarship would give me a stepping-stone to finish my license and also provide an opportunity to start my adventure to promote what I love. 

In my training, I’ve recently hit a hard spot and was extremely discouraged due to nerves about flying the plane solo. My instructor was amazingly supportive and she was able to talk to me and give me the courage to try to get over my fears. I know having a female instructor has been great for me, and not something I expected to have during my training. I feel she understands these emotions from a female standpoint, which is important in helping to overcome them. She has also set a wonderful example of what I could aspire to and been a great mentor. 

My career is working in theatre as a stage manager. I'm lucky to do what I love; it's exciting and fun. In theatre, as with aviation, there isn't a lot of money earned by those doing what they love, unless at a high level. In airline terms, I'm a regional airline first officer. Now, I'm even luckier to start pursuing another dream, flying. This scholarship would help so much with the financial strain of getting a license in the New York City area. 

It takes a lot of commitment to wake up at 6am, after coming home at 11pm or later, to get ready to go flying. I’d get up earlier to try to get an earlier lesson time to catch smoother air, yet I’m a prisoner to the train schedule that only lets me have lessons at specific times. 

The days I fly, I find myself happier and more fulfilled than the days I do not. I try to incorporate flying into my life as much as possible on a daily basis, whether it be flying, studying books, watching TV shows or films, or just looking up into the sky at the airplanes flying over the city. I’d love to win this scholarship to help me finish my license as quickly as possible, so I can begin what I really want to do: inspire girls that aviation is an option for them, for fun or for a career, something that I wasn’t even sure was possible for myself a year and a half ago.

We wish Caitlin great success in the pursuit of her dreams! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Yeni, The Winner of a Dreams Take Flight Scholarship, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the third winner for a 2013 Spring Scholarship Program: Yeni Ocampo!

The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

Yeni included the following in her cover letter:

My Name is Yeni Ocampo. I am 27 years old. I moved to the United States with my family at the age of 15 from Toluca, Mexico. I have worked very hard and, while I am the seventh child in birth order in my family, I was the first of my nine siblings to obtain a college degree. Over the past six years, my passion for aviation has really grown and I have done my best to gain entrance into this amazing industry. I have joined several aviation organizations to garner more knowledge about what direction I would like to take, as well as to help get other women interested and involved in aviation. As I have learned more about all the facets of aviation and talked to many people in all different areas of aviation, it has only strengthened my desire to fly. I have truly fallen in love with aviation and get excited every time I get to fly. It truly has become my greatest passion. In the spring of 2012, I approached my Center Manager with the idea of running a free Private Pilot Ground School for employees. He agreed and, thanks to his support, 12 employees, of which I was one, completed the Ground School course. Now that I have completed my theoretical training, I have started taking lessons from Aero Airways Inc. at the New Castle airport. I have been ecstatic with my first couple of lessons and I can’t get the smile off of my face after each flight.

Here is Yeni's application essay: 

From a young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of a good work ethic. After starting my first job at age 15, I became self-sufficient. Since then I have earned my Bachelors degree in International Relations and a Master’s degree in Finance. My introduction to aviation was back in 2007 when I walked my resume into FlightSafety International looking for a job. I was hired as a customer support representative. I served in this role for two years. My responsibilities ranged from scheduling client training courses to helping maintain their records. Interacting with pilots and flight departments daily exposed me to the world of corporate aviation. While acting in this capacity, I received many accolades, including FlightSafety’s Shining Star award, given each year to only the top ten customer support representatives within all of FlightSafety. My next achievement was to be promoted to Product Marketing Manager in 2009. Then, in April 2012, I was promoted to Center Sales Manager. In these roles, I’m responsible for networking and building relationships with current and prospective customer companies and their pilots. 

Upon completion of my Master’s degree in 2011, I discovered a new passion and desire, that of becoming a pilot. I have pursued this passion by joining several aviation-related organizations in the state of Delaware. I became a member of the Delaware 99’s and have found a lot of support from local women in aviation. We meet once a month to discuss current aviation topics and to share personal stories of accomplishment in order to encourage each other. As the youngest member of the Delaware 99’s, I have tried to bring a new perspective to the group and started by designing a website for the chapter. I am also a trustee for the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame where I am the chairman of the youth achievement, newsletter and fundraising (ticket sales) committees. As the chairman of the youth achievement committee, I am tasked with seeking out and researching potential candidates involved in aviation. An award is given annually to a young adult who has distinguished himself or herself in aviation career development. For the newsletter, I am responsible for publishing updates and events within the Delaware aviation community. This year, I am also in charge of the sales and promotion of the annual banquet, which provides the lion’s share of the funding for this organization. Lastly, I am a member of the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA). As a chapter officer, I’m responsible for organizing and coordinating the annual Maintenance Symposium with over 300 Maintenance Technicians in attendance. 

My greatest desire is to expose more women, especially minorities, to aviation and encourage more of them to get involved. During the past six years, through my varied experiences, I have seen a need for increased diversity in the aviation industry. I feel very blessed to be part of the organizations with which I’m involved, but I also feel a deep sense of responsibility to get more young women to experience the wonders of flying. It is my desire to be a role model and mentor to young women attempting to gain entry to the industry. I feel that with my experience, and my many connections, I could be an asset to Girls With Wings. The hardest part is the first step, getting started. 

While I work very hard, it is often difficult to pursue my own dreams in the time that is left over. I purchased the house in which my family currently lives and I am financially supporting my family. This scholarship would be a huge help to me in continuing my pursuit of my pilot’s licenses and my ultimate goal of a career as a pilot.




We wish Yeni great success in the pursuit of her dreams! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Kimberly, The Winner of a Dreams Take Flight Scholarship, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the fourth winner for a 2013 Spring Scholarship Program: Kimberly Kanapeckas!

The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!


Here is Kimberly's application essay: 

I pick the prettiest part of the sky and I melt into the wing and then into the air, 

till I'm just soul on a sunbeam. 

— Richard Bach, Running From Safety: An Adventure of the Spirit, 1994. 

From the time I was a young girl I was always an adventurous spirit, with the curiosity and tenacity to blaze a path that was uniquely beyond convention. Beryl Markham, British-born Kenyan aviator, has inspired me with her adventures since childhood, as I have lived in Africa, trained horses, written of my explorations, and am now learning to fly, all as she had done. While working abroad in South Africa, access to remote my study areas required the use of a fixed-wing Cessna as well as a rotary-wing helicopter. Observing the pilots’ skills in recognising the animals’ behaviour and the limitations and abilities of the aircraft, I was impressed by how we were placed so well for immobilizing wildlife. I was inspired. So on New Year’s Day this year, 2013, I scheduled my first flying lesson. 

My greatest aspiration is to fly as a biologist-pilot and I plan to conduct aerial surveys for natural resource agencies. To accomplish this, I am a graduate student and fly in my university’s flying club. By now, I have begun flight training in earnest, practising stall recovery, holding my altitude and heading, and mastering radio communications, pilotage and dead reckoning. As I line up on short final in a crosswind, Marham’s words earn their meaning: “The rudder bar resists the pressure of my feet, the stick inclines against my hand with almost truculent opposition. But this is momentary. A stern touch overcomes the urge to disobedience, and presently I settle back, flying with the craft and the craft with me” (West with the Night, 1942). Soloing is next on the docket once I master landings. I absolutely cannot wait for the joy of my first solo flight. 

Flight training can be frustrating, challenging, and certainly push a girl to her mental, physical, and emotional limits in ways perhaps nothing else can. What a blessing! Oftentimes I feel butterflies driving to a flight lesson, but as soon as I walk out and begin to pre-flight 733 Victor Sierra, I relax naturally. When I plug in my headset, get into the left-hand seat and strap in, and take the checklist from the side pocket and clip it to my kneeboard, I am in my element. As I take off and climb, the exhilaration of flying the airplane through the sky is amazing. When I am on long final into my home airport, the traffic pattern takes me right over my university’s football stadium, and I think of the different perspective this affection of ours affords me. There is none comparable. Interestingly, I come from a family with no background whatsoever in aviation, so I am so grateful for my supportive Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and the wildlife pilots who have inspired me along the way. 

The romantic poets would be hard-pressed to capture the beauty that is flying a little plane through the sky. We can write about it and begin to convey the magic of flight, but until it is experienced first-hand, the freedom, limitless adventure and even escapism are reserved for the pilot alone. That is why it is so important to keep sharing our adventures in the skies with broad audiences, particularly young women in their formative years. One of us may express something in a certain way that resonates within their soul and compels them to pursue aviation in earnest and realize that their dreams stretch far beyond the clouds. 

Recently, one young lady was taken up for her first flight in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk during a university flying club gathering in which I was participating. When she came down, the girl had become airsick while they were turning base to final and was quite embarrassed. The men, especially the pilot-in-command, a very kind, gentle CFI, let her know it ‘happens to the best of ‘em’, but she was still unsure of herself. I went over and found the young girl, gave her a Sprite to ease her stomach, and told her quietly about how she’s not alone, how students who ‘yank and bank’ can unsettle even the most steadfast CFI, and how it won’t define her as a future pilot (it’s the passengers who most often tend to get motion-sick anyway, just as in car roadtrips into the mountains). Then I told her honest stories about my more humorous experiences as the only female in the airspace. The anecdote I chose was when a Cessna Citations was on long final at my home airport (uncontrolled) and I radioed our CTAF to indicate traffic in sight. My instructor quickly confirmed aircraft position in traffic pattern and the Citation pilot commented to him “my, your voice has changed” to which my CFI returned “Yeah, I was feeling pretty.” The young girl finally flashed a smile. 

This is my vision for becoming a role model for Girls With Wings. It’s so important that I conduct myself in a way that inspires other women to disregard any glass ceilings and face their own challenges head on, and Girls With Wings will allow me an invaluable opportunity to represent women in aviation and serve as a role model accessible to young women who may wish to become involved in aviation in any capacity. 

Most of our greatest accomplishments are not achieved in isolation; I have been privileged to have many influential people who motivate me to strive for my dreams. Mentorship is a natural and effective way to help others as you have been, and to ensure that others are encouraged in the field we love. I have been a women’s outdoor writer and role model since 2001. It’s not easy to walk the unconventional path, and helps to connect with others who have paved the way. My university’s flying club is a great venue in which I can provide mentorship, and there are certainly other opportunities as well. In my short time in flight school, I have inspired acquaintances to take discovery flights and love to hear their account of how it feels to them to be on the controls in an aircraft. While often readily visible to the newcomer, mentorship can also be a quieter expression of support. Last month, I was told of another aspiring pilot in Africa, so I left my flight magazines there at his camp because reading material isn’t as easily accessible in remote areas. He never knew who left the AOPA Flight Training magazines, and it doesn’t matter. As aviators, we all just hope to encourage one another to become the best pilots we can be. 

Participation in aviation and professional organizations and events is important to my growth as a professional pilot. I am an active student member of the International Association of Natural Resource Pilots and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. I have been a leader and mentor to young women for over a decade, through Pro-staff of a women’s outdoor organization (since 2001), in my university flying club and at aviation expos and airshows, as current president of my departmental graduate student association, as well as at work every day. At the moment I have a female undergraduate student as well as a young woman who just graduated high school that I am mentoring daily in the laboratory. 

I am a full-time student in graduate school, an educational privilege but also truly a sacrifice of many years and thousands of dollars in student loans with a discouraging job market. This lack of financial resources makes achieving my pilot certificate challenging. I take lessons when I can and space them out as evenly as possible so as not to have a glaring gap of time where retention of skills learnt would fade. This strategy of lesson-by-lesson means a substantially longer period until I earn my Private Pilot Certificate, instrument rating, and eventually commercial certificate and float rating, but persistence and commitment are developed, which sharpens my dedication to aviation. This GWW Scholarship would ease my mind of the final constraints I have with each lesson that tend to distract me mentally as I learn how to land knowing that the fewer hours I take the more affordable it will be. Being released from some of the pressure to get so much done and mastered in a given flight would not only get me closer to my pilot-biologist dream, but also richen the amazing experience that flight school is! 

Indeed, flight training has reinforced character traits that make my relationships with my colleagues, students, family, and friends more rewarding. Piloting an aircraft teaches sound decision-making and collectedness under pressure, and also that the pilot’s dedication to her aircraft is paramount. My CFI and I wash the plane together and discuss strategies, maneuvers, etc. I will always be a conservative pilot, but will also push my boundaries within safe limits to expand my skillset as my experience increases. 

In closing, flying is an incredible experience for all pilots. I believe it may represent something more to women--the essence of climbing beyond domestic expectations and standard careers and enlightening ourselves to the promise of our unwritten future dreams. Pilots are a clever, dedicated lot and we can learn so much from one another. 

I look forward to hearing your decision for the Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Summer 2013 scholarship award and thank you for the pleasure of sharing my passion for aviation with you.




What a great story from Kimberly! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Susan, the winner of an additional Scholarship Award, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the first recipient of an additional Girls With Wings Scholarship Award: Susan W Njuguna!

Girls With Wings offers two scholarship opportunities twice yearly. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship is targeting those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

Therefore we are announcing several additional awards to individuals showing great promise and dedication. We are offering them $250 to help in funding at least a small portion of their flight training.

Here is Susan's application essay: 

The history of my passion for flying cannot start without mentioning the classroom setting in my second year of high school when asked about our career choices. I had known all along since elementary school that I wanted to fly those big jets, they have always fascinated me, but that moment was the stamping point. It was when I started working towards that dream of being an airline pilot. 

Coming from a family with no aviation background had its challenges. For one, after finishing high school, I got selected to study pharmacy in a prestigious National University back in Nairobi, Kenya. This happened around the same time when I had been shortlisted in the ab initio program for the national air carrier Kenya Airways in Kenya. A big highlight in my life, if I may add. My parents were of the opinion that I should pursue the degree as I’d have a lucrative career and I’d fulfill my father’s dream of all his children getting college education. I opted to wait on the outcome from the ab initio program shortlisting and let go of my slot at the university. Sadly, it was not to be, I didn’t make it for the final pick. 

This did not deter me from pressing on, it just reaffirmed that I knew where I wanted to be. Resources not being so readily available to fund my own training, I opted to study and earn a diploma in aeronautical engineering, the next option that would keep me in the same industry and next to the planes. I got employed by the same national air carrier after earning my diploma as an aircraft technician. Here I got my chance to work on the aircrafts daily. 

On one of my vacations in Kansas, I decided to enroll in a local flight school and managed to do my solo in that month of training, another highlight in my life, that’s the best vacation I’ve had so far. I caught the bug. Even when I went back to work, that was all I could think of, my little cockpit in the C162, the radio calls and just navigating my way around in the sky in a faraway land from my home. I knew I had to make a serious decision. I handed in my resignation; I couldn’t continue being one foot in and the other out. It was an easy decision to make but scary as well because I was heading to the unknown in pursuit of my dream. 

Taking out all my savings, I took the deep plunge and moved to Kansas in April. I’m already back at flying at the same school and it was a sweet homecoming feeling, it was exhilarating being back in the cockpit and not to just maintain it but to fly. I was a bit nervous because I hadn’t flown in almost a year, but my first flight was better than I expected, I had missed it. Now it’s serious business because there’s no turning back. It’s been a bit slow because of the weather, but I’m hoping to do my first cross country within the next two weeks as I look for a job to help foot some of the cost, it’s not easy but I’m not deterred at all because something in my gut tells me I’m on the right path. 

During this transition, I’ve come to embrace the fact that nothing is impossible. Some things may seem hard and intimidating to achieve but not at all impossible. With that in mind, my dream seems within reach, notwithstanding the financial hurdles, but within reach. I have to broaden my dream’s horizon. I hope to one day be a game changer in the aviation industry. Make it more accessible to girl’s back home. Stumbling upon Girls with Wings was definitely astounding. I share the vision. I want to help others achieve their dreams and let them know that dreams do come true. 

I’ve recently been accepted to the University of Central Missouri to pursue the Professional Pilot program this fall. I believe this will better equip me and give me a better platform to put my mark in this industry. I have to have finished my private pilot license by then, a lot on my plate I must admit but all I know is I have the drive, ambition and hope to make it. To be a role model to another girl that truly; go dream big and dreams do come true.

From Kansas to Kenya, Susan. Now that is dedication! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Lauren, the winner of an additional Scholarship Award, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the second recipient of an additional Girls With Wings Scholarship Award: Lauren Savage!

Girls With Wings offers two scholarship opportunities twice yearly. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship is targeting those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

Therefore we are announcing several additional awards to individuals showing great promise and dedication. We are offering them $250 to help in funding at least a small portion of their flight training.

Here is Lauren's application essay: 

It is 5:30 p.m. and the hot, dry winds of Central Texas blow across an empty runway, as I stand in the shade of a locked-up hangar. I watch anxiously as a small plane appears on the horizon, accompanied by a growing buzzing sound. The plane, a Beechcraft Bonanza, taxis up to where I’m standing and the door opens. This would be the first time I ever boarded such a small plane, and I had many mixed emotions about it. I’d wanted to fly since before I can remember, and the thought of finally getting my hands on the yoke had my mind racing. “What if I don’t love it like I thought I would?” “What if I’m not good at it?” “What if this isn’t my life calling?” Regardless of these questions, I was still excited beyond words: This is what I had wanted my entire life. As soon as I could feel the natural tug upward as the wings began generating lift on the runway, it was as if everything had fallen into place. I was supposed to be there. As the plane left the ground and trees began speeding under me, getting smaller and smaller, my hands now controlling the aircraft, I teared up. I knew that the dreams I had ever since I was a small child were no longer simply dreams. They had become a reality. That was the day aviation changed from a passionate dream to an exciting reality, a dream in which I keep on dreaming. 

This was my Young Eagles’ flight—the very beginning of my flying career. After this flight, I was completely energized. I had never felt so fulfilled and passionate. All I could think about was getting back in the air. Following my Young Eagle’s flight, I took the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course online. I did everything I could to immerse myself in aviation knowledge and the aviation world. I have had two flight lessons since and loved every minute of them. 

Following graduation of high school, I see myself studying Political Science at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. I want to be a part of their Powered Flight team and their Wings of Blue jump team. It is my dream to go to flight school upon graduating and fly the F-22. My inspiration for going to the Air Force Academy and flying the F-22 is: To study in a world-class institution with likeminded, motivated peers who adhere to high standards and possess a sense of leadership is unlike any opportunity provided elsewhere. I want to be a part of something bigger and greater than myself, serve my country and fly while doing so. 

To this day, my dream of becoming a pilot has grown to immeasurable heights. While accomplishing this, I want to serve as an inspiration for other girls who dream of flying. I want to be a mentor to help their dreams grow, because I know what that fiery passion to fly feels like. I would be honored to advocate flying for girls at Girls With Wings. That is why I co-founded an aviation club at my high school. I want to be able to share my love for aviation with other students, specifically girls, who previously may not have had the opportunity or interest in flying. As class president, I am eager to get as many students involved as possible, because I believe flying is an exhilarating experience that everyone needs to experience. 

I am a hard worker at school, taking all the honors and Pre-AP classes offered at my level. I am president of several clubs and organizations, and I spend a lot of time outside of school volunteering at my church and the homeless shelter as well as running varsity cross country and track. This year, I was awarded several leadership conference opportunities by my school, which I was able to attend. I have been able to maintain a steady 4.42 GPA and remain on the Principal’s List. Currently, I am financially unable to fly due to recent family circumstances and a tight budget. Every penny I make goes toward saving up for flying. I have not yet soloed, but wish to in the coming months. My current goal is to obtain my Private Pilot’s license. This scholarship would be used toward the cost of training until I solo at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth, Texas. Through receiving this scholarship, with the help of Girls With Wings, this would be the first step, the beginning, of a girl from Texas’ dreams to become a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force.

We're pretty sure you'll do it, Lauren. Aim High! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Krysten, the winner of an additional Scholarship Award, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the third recipient of an additional Girls With Wings Scholarship Award: Krysten Bowersox!

Girls With Wings offers two scholarship opportunities twice yearly. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship is targeting those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

Therefore we are announcing several additional awards to individuals showing great promise and dedication. We are offering them $250 to help in funding at least a small portion of their flight training.

Here is Krysten's application essay: 

I grew up listening to my fathers’ tales of treasured memories flying with his grandfather. He would always talk so fondly of his trips up the east coast in his grandpas’ plane. It was something he cherished when he was younger and wished he was able to give me those same memories. He would show me pictures and talk about how enjoyable flying was. Listening to these stories made me dream about flying. I always thought it was an unattainable dream until I realized how many opportunities I had living in the USA that others do not have. 

After returning from my trip to China I began devising a plan to begin flying. I knew that my present income and student loans would be one of my biggest obstacles. I found a second full time job and worked two jobs for the last year. I became very frugal and dedicated practically all of my income to paying off the loans. I was so excited when the big day came and I made my last payment to Sallie Mae. It was a fresh start in my eyes; I could finally start saving for my real dream of flying. From that day forward all of my income minus my living expenses goes towards flying. 

I found pilots who were willing to give me advice on everything and anything relating to aviation. These mentors have been a huge help and have given me awesome guidance. I hope to be a positive mentor for someone just as they have been for me. I feel that the biggest mentor is the instructor that teaches you. I’ve been told by many people that I would be an amazing teacher but I’ve never found anything that I’m passionate about until now. I would love to wake up every day and be able to make an impact on a students’ life. I hope to share my passion for aviation with other women and teach more girls to fly. I joined organizations such as Girls With Wings, WIA, CAP, and AOPA to gain as much guidance as possible prior to beginning my voyage to become a flight instructor. 

After researching different aviation schools and organizations, I found the perfect fit. I left my overnight job to start taking flight lessons and I have loved every minute of it. I love everything about flying, and literally talk to everyone I see about it. After I’m done my lessons I get home and call my grandfather and we talk about the “old days” when he would go flying with his dad and brothers. I have people lined up ready to take flights with me once I have my license; It’s really encouraging to have so much support from my family, friends, and mentors. 

 Even with all this support it is still difficult to fund my dream. Learning to fly is an expensive endeavor and even with putting almost all of my income towards lessons it is still challenging to make ends meet. I am currently working on my private pilot license and have just finished my stage one exam, and am almost ready to solo. Once I complete my Private pilot license, I hope to jump right into my instrument rating, commercial, and then become a certified flight instructor. I want to continue my training without interruptions and hope that the Dreams Take Flight Scholarship will help me on my journey to becoming a flight instructor. Thank you for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate this opportunity.




We wish you the best, Krysten! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

Charlotte, the winner of an additional Scholarship Award, Summer 2013!

We are so happy to announce the fourth recipient of an additional Girls With Wings Scholarship Award: Charlotte Kaber!

Girls With Wings offers two scholarship opportunities twice yearly. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship is targeting those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. The Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study.

We are doing something simply unprecedented this year and we are super excited to finally be able to share the news with you. We are announcing NUMEROUS awards for our summer program instead of the usual two. Why? Because we are fortunate to receive donations and membership fees that people entrust to us because they believe and support the mission of Girls With Wings. There is no need or benefit to keep cash idling in the bank when the following individuals can take flight!

Therefore we are announcing several additional awards to individuals showing great promise and dedication. We are offering them $250 to help in funding at least a small portion of their flight training.

Here is Charlotte's application essay:

Being an adventurous person, I have always loved flying, the excitement, the wonder, the soaring above the clouds….thrilling! My husband and children shared my enthusiasm, hoping one day we would have our pilot licenses. By early 2009, my husband had completed ground school and was preparing for his test. My children had planned to give him flying lessons for his birthday, but he died the month before. As it happened, by chance, I met someone who owns an airplane and we spent many hours talking and flying. I learned quite a bit from the right seat, working the radio, helping to plan routes, learning about charts. It was breath taking, flying out of the clouds and seeing the landing strip straight ahead and below us…like in a movie. My desire to become a pilot became a passion, a goal, number one on my bucket list! 

I dream of flying across the country and visiting my cousin in South Carolina. My plan is to continue and get an IFR rating, then a commercial and eventually become an instructor. My ground school instructor was amazed at the technical knowledge I grasped and suggested I teach ground school, even if I did nothing else. As I gain proficiency as a pilot, I could even become a Search & Rescue volunteer. I would also like to speak to different groups, especially high school and women's groups, to inspire and encourage them to become pilots and/or pursue a career in aviation. "Anything is Possible at Any Age!" My granddaughters (ages 7 & 9) are in awe of me, and tell their friends about my learning to fly. They are fascinated with the idea that I, a grandmother and a "girl," am going to be a pilot. Through my association with the SFV 99s and Women in Aviation, I have had the opportunity to work with the Young Eagles, the Girl Scouts, and the National Guard. I have had the good fortune to participate in the first "Girls In Flight Training" (GIFT) program offered by Mary Latimer in Vernon Texas. And now, I look forward to inspiring and mentoring through Girls with Wings. 

Since passing the written test and logging 5 hours of flight time in 2011, I have actively participated in the FAA Wings program, attending seminars almost weekly. My actual flying lessons have been delayed due to a lack of funds since my husband's death. After putting aside a portion of the small profit from the sale of my house in December 2012 and starting a part-time job this year, I have recently procured a flight instructor, Jackie Forsting, associated with American Aviation in Van Nuys. Although my recent lessons have concentrated on preflight and taxiing, this week’s lesson holds the promise of flight, with a possible destination of Camarillo! Receiving your scholarship would be a step forward in making my dream a reality and greatly help my flying budget. I am persistent, determined, and will let nothing get in my way of achieving my goals. With the wonderful mentors I have acquired along the way, and the support of family and friends, I can accomplish amazing things….while passing on my enthusiasm and knowledge to others, no matter what their age. 

Carpe Diem! Fly High with Clear Skies!




We wish you the best, Charlotte! We look forward to hearing about your training.

See the details of the 2014 Scholarship program starting January 1st, 2014.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.