Dare to Dream Scholarship Program
The Dare to Dream Scholarship Program, established in 2009, provides women of all backgrounds and ages the opportunity to pursue their dreams in the field of aviation. Each year several $4,000 awards are given to candidates seeking advanced flight training for an instrument or multi-engine rating or a commercial or CFI certificate.
The program is one of many scholarships facilitated through Women in Aviation International (WAI), a nonprofit organization “dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests.” WAI, with a membership of over 20,000, an active presence in many areas of the aviation industry, and extensive outreach programs, is able to award roughly $500,000-$700,000 in scholarships annually. Dare to Dream benefits from WAI’s large base of potential candidates, wealth of resources, and nonprofit status.
Since 2009, the Dare to Dream Scholarship Program has
- Awarded over $115,000 worth of scholarship funds
- Provided educational and mentoring opportunities for 36 scholarship recipients
- Receives 125-175 applications each year
The success of Dare to Dream has been possible because of the generosity of family and friends. Please consider supporting this program as we raise funds for another $4,000 award. Any amount – $10, $20, $50, or more – is greatly appreciated! Contributions are tax deductible. Tax receipts will be emailed by Women in Aviation International.
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION HERE!
How to Apply
Recipients are selected based on their professional aspirations, commitment, and community involvement. Applicants are required to be WAI members and hold a Private Pilot certification. They must submit the official WAI application form, a letter of recommendation, essay, resume, and copies of relevant certificates. Detailed submission requirements are available on WAI’s website. Applications are due each October.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 RECIPIENTS!

Harley Lenart – Pursuing Instrument Rating

Jodie Gawthrop – Pursuing Multi-Engine Rating

Annie Johanning – Pursuing Certified Flight Instructor Rating
MEET THE PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

Amy Sanchez – Instrument Rating, 2024

Katelyn Wilkinson – Commercial Certificate, 2024

Kim Olson – Certified Flight Instructor Rating, 2024

Mona Creta – Instrument Rating, 2023

Courtney Guinan – Commercial Rating/Rotorwing, 2023

Aretha Kimani – Certified Flight Instructor, 2023
Jenna Breen – Commercial Rating, 2022

Piper Cooperrider-Young – Flight Instructor Rating, 2022
Ashley FitzSimmons – Instrument Rating, 2022
Christina Montgomery – Multi-Engine Rating, 2021
Kelli O’Donnell – Instrument Rating, 2021
Kelsey Webb – Instrument Rating, 2021

Lauren Featherstone – Instrument Rating, 2020

Mindy Nye – Helicopter-Certified Flight Instructor, 2020

Jennifer Zadorozniak – Instrument Rating, 2020

Jade McMinn – Flight Instructor Rating, 2019

McKenzie Mitchell – Instrument Rating, 2019

Melissa Hanthorn – Helicopter Flight Instructor, 2018

Christine Potje – Commercial Pilot Certificate, 2018

Ashley Taylor – Multi-Engine Rating, 2018

Alyssa Harvey – Multi-Engine Rating, 2017

Helena Lind – Instrument Rating, 2017

Shahed Kloub – Commercial Pilot Certificate, 2016

Lauren Quandt – Instrument Rating, 2016

Manuela Cortes – Instrument Rating, 2015

Adriana Barragan Iberri – Commercial Pilot Certificate, 2015

Brenda Alarcon – Instrument Rating, 2014

Sue Tuddenham – Citation X Type Rating, 2014

LeAnne Gomez – Commercial ASEL Add-on, 2013

Elyse Hildebrandt-Cooper – Certified Flight Instructor, 2013

Jenny McCartney – Commercial Pilot Certificate, 2012

