WAI-CLE AVIATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Our WAI-CLE Scholarship is now open NOW until November 1st
Since our foundation in 2013, the Cleveland chapter of WAI has been proud to award over $25,000 in scholarships, with the goal of inspiring, connecting, and engaging local aviation enthusiasts.
Remember - YOU belong in an aviation career!
WAI-CLE Scholarship Opportunity
WAI-CLE Internship Opportunity
WAI-CLE Scholarship (Deadline: November 1)
Our aviation scholarships are open to all genders who support women in the field of aviation.
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Ohio resident or student of an Ohio educational program, OR
Currently attending a high school, accredited U.S. college, trade school, technical training program, and/or flight training at an FAA-approved Part 61 or Part 141 flight school, aerospace or aeronautical engineering, unmanned aerial flight, aviation ground school or airport/aviation management.
The funds will be distributed directly to a flight school or an accredited U.S. based university and may be used for tuition and training expenses only.
CRITERIA
Candidates will be evaluated on a variety of criteria including:
Academic achievement
Volunteer work
Work experience (especially in aviation)
Leadership skills
Extracurricular activities
Finalists will be chosen based on financial need, past or current aviation involvement, and passionate commitment to an aviation career path.
One or more $1000 scholarships will be awarded to a deserving individual who seeks or is actively training in one of the following aviation areas:
Private Pilot Certificate
Instrument Rating
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Multi-Engine Rating
Flight Instructor Certificate
Aircraft Dispatcher Training
Air Traffic Control
Aviation Maintenance
Unmanned Aerial Flight
Aviation Ground School
Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering
Airport / Aviation Management
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the application below including:
A 750 word essay, with a self-introduction, an explanation of your aviation interest, aviation experience and aviation goals, an explanation of how you plan to use the scholarship funds and how you plan to give back to the community.
Letter of Recommendation
Resume
Copy of aviation related certificates
GPA
Volunteer Work Experience
Applicants will receive a response of “application received” within 3 business days of submitting their application.
Applications must be received by November 1st
If you have questions or any issues regarding the application process, please send an email to wai.cleveland@gmail.com or call 216-246-7138.
WAI-CLE Internship Opportunity
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS - Local student, with goals of aviation related studies and a commitment to promoting women in aviation fields.
DESCRIPTION - Intern will be delegated monthly tasks, such as creating flyers, promoting events, researching program items, etc. They will be expected to attend monthly conference calls and volunteer for events, as able.
COMMITMENT - Serve one year term from February to December. Become a member of both Women in Aviation International and WAI Cleveland Chapter. Volunteer at a minimum of six chapter events. Participate in monthly conference call. Interns can expect an average weekly commitment of two hours.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD - Upon completion of term, the intern will be awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1000 to be deposited directly to a school, university, college, trade school, or flight school.
HOW TO APPLY - Email a paragraph explaining why you would like to be an intern for Women in Aviation Cleveland Chapter to wai.cleveland@gmail.com.
2021 Winners
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Kelsey Buyansky
Summer - $1000
My name is Kelsey Buyansky and I am finishing up my Senior year in High School. I started my aviation journey a little over a year ago and I am ready to finally take my Private Pilot Checkride! Last year, I served on the board of the WAI Cleveland Chapter and not only did I gain so much knowledge from this wonderful group, I made some really awesome friends. Being awarded the 2021 WAI Scholarship really opened my eyes that other people believed in me and that I could accomplish my aviation goals. Winning this scholarship has helped me to keep pushing on even when I have faced obstacles. I am forever grateful for winning this scholarship and I can not wait to continue chasing my dreams in aviation.
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Esther Kotyk
Winter - $1500
When I was awarded the scholarship I was only a few hours in on my training, just beginning to gain confidence in my flying and myself as a pilot. Being awarded the scholarship helped motivate me to take bigger steps in my journey. Meeting everyone showed me that I could succeed, as long as I believed in myself because all of you believed in me. I am currently studying for my written exam now that I’ve completed my ground school. My first cross-country flight is set for next week with my first solo hopefully soon after. I aim to finish my license this summer prior to my semester at Kent this fall as an Aeronautics and Professional Flight Major. I am eager to see where aviation takes me and thank you all for being my inspiration.
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Madison Schaaf
Winter - $1000
My name is Madison Schaaf and I am a student pilot at T&G Flying Club. I am a senior in high school and will be attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach this fall. I will be working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science in hopes to become an airline pilot. Becoming a pilot is an expensive dream and winning the scholarship helped tremendously. For a while, I felt like I was making no progress which was making me feel very discouraged. After winning the scholarship, I felt like I had the Women in Aviation Chapter behind me telling me that I can do it. Today, I am very close to earning my private pilot license, have finished all of the requirements and have scheduled my check ride.
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2019 Winners
Elise Cousens - $1000
Bailey Marks - $1000
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2018 Winners
Paige Billetz
Jenna Flanigan
Julia Holmberg
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2017 Winners
Rebecca Sedlak - $500
Mayra Kodman - $500
Kim Hill - $500
Kelci Jarrett - $500
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2016 Winners
Rebecca Vilcheck - $500
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2015 Winners
Dakota Wilkinson - $500