NEWS RELEASE 08-08
July 28th, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eager Women in Aviation, International (WAI) members began on July 1, 2008, applying for WAI’s 53 separate scholarships which will be awarded in February 2009 at WAI’s 20th annual conference. WAI’s many scholarships are intended to fund a variety of aviation oriented endeavors – flight training, academics, career changes and learning to fly just for the pleasure of it.
“It would be wrong to think that WAI’s scholarships are just for college-bound members. Many of our scholarships are for members thinking of a career change to aviation or to add a particular license or rating,” said WAI President, Dr. Peggy Chabrian. “Age is not a factor in awarding any particular scholarship. By the way, neither is gender. To apply for a scholarship, you need only be a WAI member.”
Among the scholarships being offered for the first time this year are:
The Sporty’s Foundation Scholarship: Two $5,000 scholarships are offered to WAI members who are currently working as small aircraft maintenance technicians to earn a Recreational Pilot certificate.
Flo Irwin Memorial Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship is offered in memory of Flo Irwin, co-founder of Aircraft Spruce and Specialty to a junior or senior woman majoring in aviation management with the intent to start her own aviation business after graduation.
O.D. Clemmer Memorial Scholarship: Named in honor of a flight instructor and Delta Air Lines captain, this $3,000 scholarship is to be used in the pursuit of a Private Pilot license, either fixed wing or helicopter.
The Michele Marks-McCormick Memorial Seaplane Scholarship: Michele Marks-McCormick was 37 years old and fulfilling her dream as a captain with Chalks Ocean Airways when the tragic crash occurred in 2005. This scholarship provides $1500 for a private pilot to add a seaplane rating.
WAI Connecticut Chapter Engineering Scholarship: This $500 scholarship will be awarded to a WAI member who wishes to pursue an engineering career in the aerospace industry.
All scholarship applications must be postmarked by November 28, 2008. The winners of these scholarships will be announced during the 20th Anniversary International Women in Aviation Conference on February 26-28, 2009 being held at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta.
For information on scholarships and instructions on how to apply, visit www.wai.org.
###
Women in Aviation, International is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to providing networking, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for women and men who are striving for challenging and fulfilling careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information about WAI, contact WAI at 3647 State Route 503 South, West Alexandria, OH 45381, Phone (937) 839-4647; Fax (937) 839-4645 or through www.wai.org.
Contact:
Connie Lawrence
Women in Aviation International
937-839-4647 Phone
937-839-4645 Fax