Scholarship

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 $128,000 worth of scholarship funds
  • Provided educational and mentoring opportunities for 39 scholarship recipients
  • Receives 175-225 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! 
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 RECIPIENTS!

Clara McGee – Pursuing Commercial Pilot Certificate

Natasa Vratonjic – Pursuing Commercial Pilot Certificate

Madeleine Gutierrez – Pursuing Certified Flight Instructor Certificate

MEET THE PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

Harley Lenart – Instrument Rating, 2025

Jodie Gawthrop – Multi-Engine Rating, 2025

Annie Johanning – Certified Flight Instructor, 2025

Amy Sanchez – Instrument Rating, 2024

Katelyn Wilkinson – Commercial Certificate, 2024

Kim Olson – Certified Flight Instructor, 2024

Mona Creta – Instrument Rating, 2023

Courtney Guinan – Commercial Rating/Rotorwing, 2023

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Aretha Kimani – Certified Flight Instructor, 2023

Jenna Breen – Commercial Pilot, 2022

Piper Cooperrider-Young – Certified Flight Instructor, 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 – Certified Flight Instructor, 2019

McKenzie Mitchell – Instrument Rating, 2019

Melissa Hanthorn, – Helicopter Certified 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

Helen Ho – Certified Flight Instructor, 2011

Stephanie Luongo – Instrument Rating, 2010