The 2026 Women in Aviation International (WAI) scholarship program is officially open, and members can review dozens of scholarships at www.wai.org/scholarships. Currently, there are over 50 scholarships valued at more than $200,000 offered for flight training, engineering, maintenance, dispatch, and career advancement for individuals of all ages and stages of their aviation and aerospace career journey. This 2026 scholarship cycle includes several new scholarships to further members’ learning in flight training and dispatch. Applicants are encouraged to check for new scholarships often and may apply for up to three scholarships per year.
“WAI believes in shaping the future of our industry by investing in the people who will meet the needs of our current and future global workforce demands,” says WAI CEO Lynda Coffman. “The support of our annual scholarship program is one of the major benefits of being a WAI member, and we appreciate the generosity of our scholarship funders.”
The total amount of scholarships awarded by WAI funders since 1995 is more than $15 million.
Recipients will be awarded during the 37th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference in Dallas, Texas, from March 19-21, 2026. To qualify for a scholarship, the applicant must be a current WAI member through March 30, 2026, or join as a new member by October 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted to WAI by October 15, 2025, and winners will be notified by December 15, 2025. Details of each scholarship, application requirements, FAQs, plus tips for submitting a winning application can be found at www.wai.org/scholarships.
