WAI and Harvard University Partner for the Class of 2027 Emerging Leaders Courses
WAI and Harvard University Partner for the Class of 2027 Emerging Leaders Courses
Scholarship Applications for Class of 2027 Offer On-Campus and Online Options
June 8, 2026 – Rising women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry are encouraged to apply to attend next year’s Women in Leadership: A Program for Emerging Leaders, a professional development program hosted by Women in Aviation International and conducted by Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education (DCE). The two 2027 programs will take place on May 11–13 at Harvard’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and June 2–4 online.
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 30, 2026. This program is for high-performing WAI members with at least seven years of career experience and demonstrated leadership potential.
Applications for both programs must be submitted to WAI by September 1, 2026, and recipients will be notified by December 15, 2026. Awards will be delivered at the 38th Annual Women in Aviation International in Savannah, Georgia during the Scholarship Celebration on February 26, 2027.
This year, WAI expanded the three-day program to offer both an on-campus experience May 12–14, 2026, as well as two virtual programs on June 2–4, 2026, and November 4–6, 2026. In addition to providing the Emerging Leaders courses since 2023, Harvard is now offering WAI members a 10% discount on all DCE programs, including Harvard Extension School, Harvard Summer School, and Harvard Professional & Executive Development.
This intensive leadership program draws on curriculum from Harvard’s DCE Professional Development department and is tailored to address the unique challenges women face in the aviation and aerospace industry. Topics include executive communication techniques, strategic thinking, and negotiation skills. WAI's goal is to help high-potential leaders master core business concepts, build key leadership skills, and develop their leadership style to support career growth.
“WAI alumnae who have completed the course have developed strong networks with their classmates and reported career advancement as a result of their experience at Harvard," says Lynda Coffman, WAI CEO. "The virtual program will continue expanding through 2027, broadening access to this professional development opportunity for our international members and those with travel restrictions. The leadership skills taught through Harvard's program are a vital step toward developing the next generation of women who will lead our industry.”
Participants earn a certificate awarded by Harvard University's Division of Continuing Education to add to their professional resumes. Partial funding for the course has been provided through a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and support from WAI Strategic Partners Amazon, American Airlines, and United.
For the May 11–13, 2027, on-campus session, no more than 30 WAI members will be chosen to receive funding support that will include program tuition, hotel, and meals for the three days of the course. Selected participants are responsible for their own travel costs, including airfare and ground transportation. Those selected must commit to attending all three days of the on-campus course, as well as an online coaching day.
For the June 2–4, 2027, online session, no more than 45 WAI members will be selected and must commit to attending all three days.
To apply, go to www.WAI.org/scholarships. Applicants will be notified no later than December 15, 2026. Questions? Email scholarships@wai.org.
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Media Contact:
Kelly Murphy
WAI Director of Communications
202-909-8380 | kmurphy@wai.org