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 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! 
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023 RECIPIENTS!

Mona Creta – Pursuing Instrument Rating

Courtney Guinan – Pursuing Commercial Rating/Rotorwing

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Aretha Kimani – Pursuing Certified Flight Instructor

MEET THE PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

Jenna Breen   
Jenna Breen – Commercial Rating, 2022

Piper Cooperrider-Young
Piper Cooperrider-Young – Flight Instructor Rating, 2022

Ashley FitzSimmons   
Ashley FitzSimmons – Instrument Rating, 2022

Christina Montgomery   
Christina Montgomery – Multi-Engine Rating, 2021

Kelli O'Donnell   
Kelli O’Donnell – Instrument Rating, 2021

Kelsey Webb   
Kelsey Webb – Instrument Rating, 2021


Lauren Featherstone – Instrument Rating, 2020


Mindy Nye – Helicopter-Certified Flight Instructor, 2020


Jennifer Zadorozniak – Instrument Rating, 2020

Jade-McMinn
Jade McMinn – Flight Instructor Rating, 2019

McKenzie Mitchell
McKenzie Mitchell – Instrument Rating, 2019

Melissa Hanthorn
Melissa Hanthorn – Helicopter Flight Instructor, 2018

Christine Potje
Christine Potje – Commercial Pilot Certificate, 2018

Ashely Taylor
Ashley Taylor – Multi-Engine Rating, 2018

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Alyssa Harvey – Multi-Engine Rating, 2017

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Helena Lind – Instrument Rating, 2017

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Shahed Kloub – Commercial Pilot Certificate, 2016

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Lauren Quandt –  Instrument Rating, 2016

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Manuela Cortes – Instrument Rating, 2015

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Adriana Barragan Iberri – Commercial Pilot Certificate, 2015

Brenda Alarcon
Brenda Alarcon – Instrument Rating, 2014

SusanTuddenham
Sue Tuddenham – Citation X Type Rating, 2014

LeAnne Gomez
LeAnne Gomez – Commercial ASEL Add-on, 2013

Elyse Hildebrandt-Cooper
Elyse Hildebrandt-Cooper – Certified Flight Instructor, 2013

Jenny McCartney
Jenny McCartney – Commercial Pilot Certificate, 2012

Helen Ho
Helen Ho – Certified Flight Instructor, 2011

Stephanie Luongo
Stephanie Luongo – Instrument Rating, 2010

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