HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Go to wai.org and review the scholarship offerings. Applications are submitted in the fall, and scholarships are awarded at the WAI International Conference each spring.
You must be an active member of Women in Aviation International by the scholarship due date each fall, and may apply for up to three scholarships.
Read and review all requirements several times! It is vitally important to make sure you have met every qualification.
Scholarships may be applied for online through the WAI website. Please submit your application only when you have all of the necessary files ready. Files must be less than 5 MB. Allowed file types include: .txt .doc. .docx. .pdf. Once your application has been submitted, changes cannot be made to your application.
two (one-page) recommendation letters
typed, descriptive, 500-word essay
professional résumé (no more than two pages)
flight scholarships must included copies of all aviation and medical certificates and the last three pages of your pilot logbook
other applicable information as requested for each specific award/grant/scholarship
These requirements are the minimum for all scholarships unless otherwise indicated. Some scholarships may require additional information such as an official WAI application form. Please read the description thoroughly to make sure you meet all requirements.
Descriptive essay should address the following:
name and contact information
what motivated you to pursue aviation
short-term, mid-term, and long-range goals
how the scholarship will help you achieve your objective
how your previous training was financed
where you would obtain the training and the hourly rate for the instructor, aircraft, and simulators, or other costs
other applicable information as requested for each specific award/grant/scholarship
Résumé should address the following:
certificates already obtained, date, and flight hours completed (if applicable)
work history including aviation field
educational scholarships, awards, and honors
demonstrated involvement in aviation related activities
International applicants must meet all requirements and, in addition, must include your country’s pilot, mechanic, or other requirements and the equivalent copies of aviation certificates, licenses, and medicals.
Check the website through the year, as additional scholarships are sometimes offered at different times due to generous donors.
Washington State Chapter Scholarships
Janet Clark Memorial Scholarship
In memory of Janet Clark, the Washington State Chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI) offers a $1500 scholarship. Janet was an FAA Airworthiness Aviation Safety Inspector, Maintenance Division, and was a member of the Washington State Chapter. She was a strong advocate for aviation education, and we are proud to honor her legacy with this scholarship.
Applicant’s Additional Qualifications and Requirements
In addition to all WAI requirements, the applicant shall:
- be working toward a career in aviation,
- be enrolled in an accredited aviation-related program,
- have experience volunteering in WAI events and/or aviation-related events in the previous year,
- In the WAI essay, the applicant shall discuss detailed explanations of his/her career plans, goals, and volunteer experiences.
Scholarship Criteria:
1. The scholarship must be expensed within one year of receipt.
2. The scholarship will be paid directly to an accredited program / institution.
3. The scholarship may be applied to tuition, books, specific training, or housing if the expense is arranged through an accredited program or institution.
Notes:
1. Aviation careers include, but are not limited to, air traffic controller, airport management, avionics technician, dispatcher, engineer, flight attendant, mechanic, meteorologist, navigator, and pilot.
2. If the applicant has been working toward a career as a pilot, she/he must hold at least a private pilot certificate prior to submitting the application.
(Scholarship value $1,500)
Yukiko Howell Memorial S.T.E.M. Scholarship
In memory of Yukiko Howell, the Washington State Chapter of Women in Aviation, International offers a $1500 scholarship for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) education. Yukiko was a passionate educator for many years at the Annie Wright School in Tacoma, teaching math, science and Japanese language. She loved flying and after earning her private pilot certificate, she gave weekly aviation lessons, emphasizing math and science proficiency as a means to achieve exciting aviation careers. Yukiko was a constant volunteer for our chapter scholarship committee, and at local education and outreach events.
Applicant’s Additional Qualifications and Requirements
In addition to all WAI requirements, the applicant shall:
- be pursuing higher education towards a S.T.E.M. career or continuing education S.T.E.M. classes
- be enrolled in an accredited institution (includes 2- and 4-year colleges, technical institutes, certificate programs)
- have experience volunteering in S.T.E.M. or aviation-related events and/or WAI activities in the previous year
- in the WAI essay, the applicant shall discuss detailed explanations of his/her career plans, goals, and volunteer experiences.
Scholarship Criteria:
1. The scholarship must be expensed within one year of receipt.
2. The scholarship will be paid directly to an accredited program / institution.
3. The scholarship may be applied to tuition, books, or laboratory fees
Notes:
1. S.T.E.M. careers include, but are not limited to, science, engineering, air traffic controller, avionics technician, dispatch certification, aircraft mechanic, meteorologist, educator for S.T.E.M.
2. Funds may not be used for housing, transportation, flight training, meals or incidental expenses.
(Scholarship value $1,500)
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Preference is given to Washington State Chapter members when considering our scholarship applications.
- Don't hesitate to reach out and ask for assistance/mentoring when completing your scholarship applications.
- Read every single instruction for WAI, the scholarship itself and any additional requirements. Read it once, twice, three times, and check your application packet again and again. It is of crucial importance. A missed item will immediately disqualify you.