The I Hart Flying Foundation has launched its 2026 scholarship cycle, delivering more than $20,000 in flight training funding, pilot equipment, and other resources to women pilots.
The initiative, “Access Granted: Runway to Rise,” marks the first phase of the foundation’s multi-year HART-LED: Cleared for Takeoff campaign, focused on a critical gap in aviation: Ensuring aspiring pilots not only begin training, but complete it, according to foundation officials.
While many industry efforts focus on recruitment, foundation officials say they are addressing a bigger challenge: Training disruptions caused by financial barriers at the earliest stages of flight training.
“It’s not a capability problem. It’s a continuity problem,” said Rachelle Spector, Founder and CEO of the I Hart Flying Foundation. “We’re ensuring women don’t just gain access to aviation, but have the support to advance, complete, and lead.”
The Runway to Rise scholarship series supports women at the earliest and most vulnerable stage of flight training, where financial interruption most often occurs, she said. This cycle provides direct funding, pilot supplies, and structured mentorship aligned with certification milestones, helping scholars maintain momentum from their first flight through career progression, she explained.
Since its founding, the foundation has awarded nearly $400,000 in flight training scholarships and in-kind support, according to officials, who note 98% of recipients move on to the next certification level.
Applications will be accepted through May 25, 2026.
For more information: iHartFlying.org
I know how this will be received, but I’m asking anyway:
Are there any scholarship that target only male pilot aspirants?
I’m all for anyone getting into aviation, regardless of race, gender or political leanings (😉). All scholly’s for anything should be open to all.