The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) Education Fund awarded $15,000 in scholarships this summer, bringing the total amount awarded to $117,000 since the fund’s inception. The scholarships are available to students pursuing an aviation career as a professional pilot and are merit-based upon criteria established by the NGPA Education Fund. Factors considered include: demonstrated academic ability, financial need, and active participation in matters of social justice and betterment of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Four scholarships, in the amount of $3,750 each, were awarded this year to:
- Spencer Conklin, University of North Dakota
- Eric Florence, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- LeAnne Gomez, Phoenix Helicopter Services
- Cory Sanderson, SkyWalk Inc.
“Particularly during these tough economic times, students face an uphill battle pursuing their dream to fly for a living. Academic tuition plus the cost of pursuing advanced pilot ratings makes the goal of becoming a professional pilot financially challenging. The NGPA Education Fund is pleased to off-set the flight training and education expenses incurred by these high-caliber students,” said Steve Walker, executive director of the NGPA Education Fund.
For more information: GayPilot.org
