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 with an expiration date of June 30, 2027, or later, or join as a new member by August 31, 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 responding to this year's prompt in the application portal that focuses 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
*For 2027, Harvard applications will be included with general WAI2027 scholarship applications.*
General WAI2027 Scholarship Application Requirements
Applications for the 2027 general WAI scholarship program were open from June 1, 2026 - September 1, 2026. 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 WAI2027 scholarships is September 1, 2026.
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. The applicant must be a current WAI member with an expiration date later than March 31, 2027, or join as a new member by August 31, 2026.
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. Each scholarship may have unique 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
- Volunteer history
- 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, 2027, or later, or join WAI by August 31, 2026.
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.