Although the available scholarships for 2012 won’t be announced for 60 days, companies, organizations and individuals have already pledged more than 48 scholarships totaling $375,000 available to WAI members. These scholarships cover expenses for academic study, technical training, flight training as well as specialized aviation activities, including recreational flying, engineering and maintenance.

In addition, FedEx Express is donating a B-727 airplane and a JT8D aircraft engine to a qualified aviation school, university, airport rescue/firefighting group, government agency, museum, or like aviation education organization as part of the 2012 WAI Scholarship program. The organization must be a corporate member of WAI to be eligible for this award.

“We’ve never had this many scholarships pledged this early,” says WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian. “This bodes well for our 2012 scholarship program.”

In 2011, a total of 76 scholarships valued at $691,750 were distributed to WAI members at every stage of life from university students to mature members seeking a career change to aviation. These scholarships were awarded during the 22nd Annual International Women in Aviation Conference held in February in Reno.

“Our scholarships are a vital member benefit,” says Dr. Chabrian. “Hundreds of members – both men and women – have benefited from the availability of the scholarships they were awarded.”

Scholarships available for 2012 will be posted at www.wai.org in mid-July 2011. These scholarships will be awarded during the 23rd Annual International Women in Aviation Conference at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, from March 8-10, 2012. For more information, visit www.wai.org.

Women in Aviation, International is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to providing networking, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for women and men who are striving for challenging and fulfilling careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, contact WAI at 3647 State Route 503 South, West Alexandria, OH 45381, Phone (937) 839-4647; Fax (937) 839-4645 or through www.wai.org.