The 99s, an international organization of women pilots, offers a variety of scholarships, including the prestigious Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships and the 99s International Scholarship, to support women pursuing careers in aviation. These scholarships help fund flight training, academic studies, and technical training for aspiring and current female aviators worldwide.
Types of 99s Scholarships Available
The 99s offer several scholarship categories to meet the diverse needs of women in aviation:
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Flight Training Scholarship: Provides up to $20,000 for pursuing additional pilot certifications, ratings, or specialized training courses, such as multi-engine ratings or type ratings.
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Academic Scholarship: Offers up to $10,000 towards a year of college education in aviation or aerospace fields. Students can reapply annually for continued support. Eligible degrees include aviation business management, air traffic management, and aerospace engineering. Flight training integral to the curriculum may also be covered.
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Technical Training Scholarship: Awards up to $20,000 for completing aviation or aerospace technical training programs, like Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic certification, Dispatcher certification, or Air Traffic Control training. This scholarship excludes flight training and technical training within a college degree program.
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Vicki Cruse Memorial Scholarship: Covers the full cost of emergency maneuver and spin training, plus an introduction to aerobatics. This scholarship honors Vicki Cruse, a renowned aerobatic pilot and 99s member. It’s open to any licensed 99s pilot member, regardless of ratings, financial need, or membership duration.
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Kitty Houghton Memorial Scholarship (99s International Scholarship): This scholarship, while currently on hiatus for revisions, specifically aims to empower women pilots in developing nations to build aviation careers that benefit their home countries. It honors Kitty Houghton, a prominent figure in The 99s.
Research Scholar Grants and First Wings Awards
Beyond flight and technical training, The 99s also support research and aspiring pilots:
- Research Scholar Grants: These grants fund research focusing on women’s roles in aviation and aerospace, encompassing historical contributions, leadership roles, and specific challenges women face in the field.
- First Wings Awards: Student Pilot Members of The 99s for at least three months with five logged flight hours in the preceding six months can apply for up to $6,000 to achieve specific flight training milestones.
The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund (AEMSF)
The AEMSF, established in 1940 to honor Amelia Earhart, the first president of The 99s, has awarded over $12 million in scholarships and over 300 awards to student pilots.
Applying for a 99s Scholarship
While specific requirements vary by scholarship, general eligibility often includes 99s membership and meeting specific flight training or academic criteria. Detailed application instructions and deadlines are available on the 99s website’s Members Only area. The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship application deadline is January 1st annually, while First Wings applications are due April 1st and October 1st.
Supporting the Future of Women in Aviation
The 99s rely on donations and bequests to fund these valuable scholarships. Contact the AEMSF Trust Chairwoman for information on contributing. These scholarships are crucial in fostering the next generation of female aviators and carrying on Amelia Earhart’s legacy.
