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 a $3,000 award is given to a candidate seeking advanced 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 10,000, 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 $100,000 worth of scholarship funds
- Provided educational and mentoring opportunities for 30 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 $3,000 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 2023 RECIPIENTS!

Mona Creta – Pursuing Instrument Rating

Courtney Guinan – Pursuing Commercial Rating/Rotorwing

Aretha Kimani – Pursuing Certified Flight Instructor
MEET THE PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
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
Helen Ho – Certified Flight Instructor, 2011
Stephanie Luongo – Instrument Rating, 2010