Themed scholarship campaigns by non-profit organization I Hart Flying have helped 10 pilots begin or advance their flight training this year. Notably, nine of these scholarship awards went to women.
“Meeting the pilot demand is our collective priority, yet we must also be concerned with the lack of women in the industry, as less than 6 percent of today’s pilots are female. These numbers are disappointing,” said I Hart Flying founder Rachelle Spector. “Our goal in 2018 was to award $25,000 in scholarships to women. We surpassed our expectations.”
Last week, I Hart Flying launched a three-day challenge for its “Eagles Soar, Harts Explore” campaign, raising enough to award five flight training scholarships instead of the originally intended one, the organization said. Recipients of these scholarships are Rachel Scarbrough, Martina Riggin, Chiara Sabatini, Lisa Pickrell, and Ella King. Scarbrough will receive $5,000 toward her flight training, as well as a Bose A20 headset, King Schools pilot training pack, and gift certificates to Aviation Life Clothing and Base Turn. The others will receive $2,500 to advance their flight training.
This month at NBAA-BACE 2018, I Hart Flying Foundation aims to elevate this success while stressing the importance of expanding outreach and scholarships focused on discovering, attracting, and retaining talent for the STEM and aviation workforce.