How to Apply
WAI Harvard Scholarship Application Requirements
To qualify for a WAI Harvard Emerging Leaders Scholarship, the applicant must be a current WAI member through November 10, 2026, or join as a new member by January 10, 2026.
This program is for high-performing WAI members with at least seven years of career experience and an aptitude for leadership.
WAI members may apply for one of the three program offerings. Applications must include the following:
- One letter of recommendation. Letters should be no more than one page, and cannot be from family members.
- One 500-word essay focused on your leadership experience
- Professional Resume (no more than two pages). Do not include a photo of yourself on your resume.
- A statement of commitment to the course dates
WAI Harvard Applications open November 15, 2025
General WAI2026 Scholarship Application Requirements
Applications for the 2026 general WAI scholarship program were open from July 15 - October 15, 2025. Only current members of Women in Aviation International are eligible to apply. You may apply for up to three scholarships. The deadline to submit an application for the general WAI scholarships was October 15, 2025.
Scholarship applications are only accepted through the WAI website via the online portal. Please do not mail or email hard copies of your scholarship application.
All applicants must submit the following:
- Two letters of recommendation. Letters should be no more than one page, and cannot be from family members.
- One 500-word essay focused on your passion for aviation or aerospace, your community involvement, and how this scholarship will help you achieve your goals in aviation or aerospace.
- Resume (no more than two pages). Do not include a photo of yourself on your resume.
- If applying for a flight training scholarship, please include copies of your pilot and medical certificates and the last three pages of your pilot logbook. This is not necessary for other types of scholarships.
- Other information if requested for each specific award/grant/scholarship
These requirements are the minimum for all scholarships unless otherwise indicated. Please read the description thoroughly to make sure you meet all requirements.
Your essay should include the following:
- Your name and contact information
- Your passion for aviation or aerospace
- Your community involvement
- How a scholarship will help you achieve your goals
- Other information as requested for each specific scholarship
Resumes should include the following:
- Work history or school studies
- Any educational awards or honors
- Demonstrated involvement in aviation-related activities
- Certificates already obtained, date, and flight hours completed (only if applying for a flight training scholarship.)
All applicants must be current WAI members with an expiration date of March 31, 2026 or later, or join WAI by October 1, 2025.
Review Your Membership Details
Email scholarships@wai.org with any additional questions. All applications must be received through the WAI2026 Scholarship Portal; e-mailed applications will not be considered.