By Molly Martin
Every year, Women in Aviation International (WAI) makes more than 100 scholarships available that in total, are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The scholarships are available for multiple aviation and aerospace disciplines, for different ages, different stages of careers and life, and many are available to applicants all over the world.
In the last 30 years, WAI has awarded more than $14.5 million in scholarships. Thousands of WAI members have realized aviation dreams or furthered their aviation or aerospace career after winning a WAI scholarship.
The process is simple: Select up to three scholarships to apply for and submit the required application materials. But past scholarship winners will tell you that it pays to put your best foot forward, pay attention to details, and deliver an application package that truly sets you apart. We’ve compiled a Top Ten list of tips to help you get started:
1—Be a Women in Aviation International member! WAI scholarships are available for many different areas of aviation and aerospace. You don’t have to be a pilot, an engineer, a student, or hold advanced degrees—but you do need to be a member of Women in Aviation International by October 1, 2022, to qualify for each scholarship.
2—Follow the rules and pay attention to details. Be sure to read the requirements for each scholarship, as they are all a little bit different. Remember that if you don’t follow the rules for each scholarship, you could be disqualified.
3—Spend time on your essay and tell your unique story.
4—Tell the truth. Don’t stretch the truth; don’t get creative with the truth. No exaggerations. Period.
5—Complete the application process in full.
6—Don’t miss the deadline––consider submitting your complete application early.
7—Speak directly to the scholarship for which you are applying.
8—Start early!
9—Don’t send additional stuff. The scholarship committee works hard to give each application equal attention and equal weight. Don’t ruin your chances of winning by including photos, videos, or portfolios that aren’t requested.
10—Proofread your application before submitting.
Following these tips won’t guarantee that you’ll win, but you will be more likely to be fully considered, and will avoid being disqualified. WAI is also here to help! Don’t hesitate to email Scholarship Coordinator Donna Wallace (dwallace@wai.org) and ask for clarification if there is something you are unsure of.
Remember, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Give yourself a shot this year and apply for a scholarship—see what doors it opens for you and where it can take you.
WAI members seek to inspire and stand for encouragement, continued education, and a whole lot of fun! If you’re a lover of all things aviation and aerospace, and enjoy sharing your passion with others, we’d love to have you! Membership includes job search opportunities, scholarship opportunities, access to mentors in your industry, and much more.