WAI-CLE AVIATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Our WAI-CLE Scholarship is open annually from September 1st to November 1st

Women in Aviation Cleveland CommuteAir Aviation Scholarship Program

Two (2) $1,000 Scholarships Available Application Deadline: November 1, 2026

Program Overview

Women in Aviation Cleveland is proud to offer two (2) $1,000 aviation scholarships, generously sponsored by CommuteAir, to assist aspiring aviation professionals in pursuing their educational and career goals. These scholarships are open to all genders who support the advancement of women in aviation and are committed to pursuing a career in the aviation industry. Scholarship recipients will be recognized during the Women in Aviation Cleveland Santa Fly-In Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at the Discover Aviation Center, Lorain County Regional Airport.

REQUIREMENTS

Current member of Women in Aviation Cleveland.
Currently enrolled in high school, an accredited college or university, trade school, technical training program, or an FAA-approved Part 61 or Part 141 flight school.
Ohio resident or currently enrolled in an Ohio educational or aviation training program.
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Be pursuing an aviation-related education or career.
Plan to use the scholarship within one year of receiving the award.
Scholarship funds will be paid directly to an FAA-approved flight school or accredited U.S. educational institution and may only be used for tuition, flight training, testing fees, or approved educational expenses.

Selection Criteria

Passion for aviation
Academic achievement
Leadership
Volunteer service
Work experience (especially aviation related)
Financial need
Aviation involvement
Career goals
Commitment to giving back to the aviation community

Important Dates:

Applications Open: Now

Application Deadline: November 1, 2026

Recipients Notified: Mid-November 2026

Scholarships Awarded: December 5, 2026

CommuteAir Aviation Scholarship Investing in the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Two (2) $1,000 Scholarships Proudly Sponsored by CommuteAir “Together, we’re helping tomorrow’s aviators reach new heights.”

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

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) •
Aircraft Dispatcher Training
Air Traffic Control
Aviation Maintenance Technician

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone)
Aviation Ground School
Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering
Airport / Aviation Management
Other approved aviation-related educational programs

HOW TO APPLY
Please download the full PDF with all the requirements.

Complete the application below including:

A 750- 1,000 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.

Apply Now

Previous Scholarship Recipients

2024 Winners

Rayn Rister – $1,000

Leah Logan – $1,000

Gabriela Natasha Tan – $1,000

Jessica Sulzener – $1,000

2023 Winners

Kendal Schulte – $1,000

Dakota Wagner -$1,000

Blessing Mupinga – $1,000

Lorelei Williston – $1,000

Jocelyn Jones – $1,000

2022 Winners

Lorelai Wilkinson – $1,000

MK Aaronson – $1,000

LeeAnn Hawk – $1,000

Katherine Volz – $1,000

Julia Onchak – $1,000

2021 Winners

Kelsey Buyansky -$1,000

Esther Kotyk -$1,500

Madison Schaaf – $1,000

Becca Roubidoux – $500

Farida Moalim – $500

2019 Winners

Elise Cousens – $1,000

Bailey Marks – $1,000

2018 Winners

Paige Billetz – $2,000

Julia Holmberg – $2,000

Jenna Flanigan – $1,000

2017 Winners

Rebecca Sedlak – $500

Mayra Kodman – $500

Kim Hill – $500

Kelci Jarrett – $500

2016 Winners

Rebecca Vilcheck – $500

2015 Winners

Dakota Wilkinson – $500

WIA CLEVELAND CHAPTER

By the Numbers

Members

Scholarships Awarded

in Scholarships Awarded

"Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return" — Leonardo da Vinci.

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