Scholarship FAQs

Do I have to be a current member of WAI to receive a scholarship?

Yes, your WAI membership status must be active until March 30, 2026, or later in order to submit a scholarship application.

Can anyone apply for a WAI scholarship?

Only members of Women in Aviation International, regardless of race, religion, gender or age, can apply for scholarships offered through WAI. Each scholarship has its own requirements though, so be sure to apply for only those scholarships for which you are qualified. 

Will I have an advantage if I apply early?

No. All applications are reviewed after the annual deadline in October.  There is no advantage to applying early, and there may be additional scholarship listings added before the cycle closes. However, we encourage applications before the last day of the cycle. 

I’m not a U.S. citizen. Can I apply for a scholarship?

Yes, unless the scholarship specifies that U.S. citizenship is a requirement.

If I do win a WAI Scholarship, when can I anticipate fund delivery?

The funds will be delivered by the end of March to coincide with the award provided at our annual conference. 

Do I have to attend the conference to receive a scholarship?

No, attendance at the conference is not a requirement to receive a scholarship, and WAI does not sponsor scholarship attendees to attend. 

Can I mail or email a hard-copy of my application to WAI?

No. Only applications submitted online through our scholarship portal will be accepted.  As our scholarship program has grown so large, we can no longer accept mailed, hard-copy applications or emailed applications. 

Can I send my letters of recommendation separately from my scholarship application?

No. Only complete scholarship applications are accepted, and all required documents must be uploaded and submitted on our scholarship portal. The applicant is responsible for uploading their letters of recommendation in the portal. In addition, we do not have a method to collect letters of recommendation uploaded directly by recommender. If they have concerns, encourage them to make the document read-only. 

Can I include additional documents that make my case for support?

No. Be sure to include only those documents required in the description and application.  Adding other documents will not increase your chances of being selected.

Can my letters of recommendation be from family members?

No. This is not in your best interest.  Ask a reference who knows you from  work or school to write your letter of recommendation.  You will be disqualified if your letter of recommendation comes from a family member. 

To whom should the letters of recommendations be addressed?

Letters should be addressed to the WAI Scholarship Committee.

Why can’t I apply for more than three scholarships? I want to apply for them all!

For the benefit of all our members, WAI’s policy is that you may apply to up to three scholarships. Applications for internships are not included in the three-per-member scholarship limit.

Are you strict about the application deadline?

Yes. Applications will not be considered after the deadline date.  Please submit your application as early as you can to avoid any technical challenges you may experience. Please do not wait until the last minute to apply as there may not be enough time for the WAI Staff to assist you if you run across a technical challenge. 

How can I maximize my chances of receiving a scholarship?

Make sure you spend time putting together a good application package. Have someone review it and offer constructive critiques of your essay and resume. Check your spelling and grammar. Speak with your references so that they understand what needs to be in their letters of recommendation. 

Will I be notified that my application was received?

Yes. When you apply online, you will receive an email confirming that your application was submitted. 

What if I can’t write an essay of 500 words or fewer? 

The review committees are reading many application packages, and they appreciate concisely written essays. Your essay is just one part of the overall package you are presenting.  Other requirements of the application will help tell your full story. 

What should be in the letters of recommendation?

Your letters of recommendation should speak to your character, work ethic, and passion, or highlight something significant that you want the scholarship review committee to know.

What should be included in my resume?

Your resume should include your contact details, career objective, relevant work experience, educational background, certificates, and/or volunteer experiences. Volunteer experience highlighted in your resume is a great way to stand out. 

Do I have to submit a certified copy of my school transcript? 

Although most of WAI's scholarships do not ask for school transcripts, a few do. However, a certified transcript is not required for those. If the scholarship description does not ask for your GPA or school transcript, then do not attach it to your application. 

Should I include photos of myself?

No. Please do not include photos in your application package. 

I didn’t win a scholarship this year.  Can I apply again in the future?

Yes! We encourage our WAI members to apply for scholarships as they become available every year.  You never know when you will be the one who receives a life-changing scholarship!