Women in Aviation International Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Women in Aviation International

Description
The Women in Aviation International (WAI) general scholarship program provides financial and professional support to women pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. It covers a broad range of awards and training grants, including flight training and leadership development opportunities. Harvard Emerging Leaders scholarships are administered through the same application process but have their own eligibility and course commitments. Read each award’s individual description carefully for any unique requirements.

- **Purpose:** Financial and career support for women in aviation and aerospace.
- **Scope:** Multiple scholarship categories, including flight training and leadership.
- **Harvard link:** Harvard Emerging Leaders included with the general application.
- **Action:** Review each specific award description before applying.

Eligibility
Applicants must be current WAI members and meet membership date requirements specific to the award. General WAI scholarships require membership that expires March 30, 2027 or later, or the applicant may join WAI as a new member by August 30, 2026. Applicants may submit up to three distinct scholarship applications during the 2027 cycle. Additional eligibility rules (education level, career stage, flight credentials) may appear in individual scholarship descriptions.

- **Membership (general):** Expiration on or after March 30, 2027, or new member by Aug 30, 2026.
- **Applications per person:** Up to three scholarships.
- **Award-specific rules:** Check each scholarship’s description for extra eligibility criteria.
- **Harvard-specific membership:** See the Harvard section for different date requirements.

Application Timeline and Deadlines
The 2027 general scholarship application window opens June 1, 2026. All applicants who must join as new members should do so no later than August 30, 2026 to qualify. Note that Harvard Emerging Leaders applicants need a different membership expiration date (see Harvard section). Deadlines for individual awards and the final submission deadline will be posted in the online portal — confirm deadlines there when you apply.

- **Open date:** June 1, 2026 (applications accepted starting this date).
- **New-member cutoff:** Join WAI by Aug 30, 2026 to be eligible if not already a member.
- **Portal deadlines:** Final submission deadlines and award-specific cutoffs are listed in the online portal.
- **Verify dates:** Confirm all timelines in the application portal before submitting.

Application Process and File Requirements
All scholarship applications must be submitted electronically through the WAI online portal on the WAI website; mailed or emailed hard copies are not accepted. Each uploaded document must be 5 MB or smaller to be accepted. Follow the portal prompts closely and attach requested files to the correct award application — some scholarships request additional, award-specific items. Keep copies of everything submitted and monitor the portal or your email for any follow-up requests.

- **Submission method:** WAI online portal only — no mail or email submissions.
- **File size limit:** Each document must be ≤ 5 MB.
- **Organization:** Upload documents to the correct award entry in the portal.
- **Recordkeeping:** Save copies of submitted materials and check for portal messages.

Required Supporting Materials (General Scholarships)
Every general scholarship application must include several standard items; individual awards may require more. The minimum materials include two recommendation letters, a 500-word essay, and a resume (no more than two pages). Flight training applicants must provide pilot and medical certificates plus the last three pages of their pilot logbook; other awards will not require those flight-specific documents. Additional documents may be requested for particular scholarships — read each award listing.

- **Recommendation letters:** Two letters required for general scholarships (not from family; ≤1 page each).
- **Essay:** One 500-word essay as detailed in the Essay Guidance section.
- **Resume:** Professional résumé, max two pages (see Resume Guidelines).
- **Flight documentation:** Pilot & medical certificates and last three logbook pages if applying for flight training.
- **Additional items:** Some awards require extra information listed on their description page.

Essay Guidance
Essays for general scholarships must be 500 words and address what inspired you to pursue aviation or aerospace, what motivates you to stay in the field, your community contributions, and how the scholarship will affect your goals. Include your name and contact information at the top of the essay. Some scholarships may ask for additional essay elements — follow the specific prompt in the portal. Keep the essay focused, personal, and aligned with the stated prompt.

- **Length and content:** 500 words; inspiration, motivation, community involvement, impact of the scholarship.
- **Identification:** Include your name and contact information in the essay.
- **Prompt variations:** Some scholarships may request other information — follow the portal prompt.
- **Tone:** Clear, concise, and personal; emphasize measurable impact where possible.

Resume Guidelines
Your résumé should be a professional, concise summary limited to two pages and must not include a photo. Include work history or current studies, educational awards or honors, demonstrated involvement in aviation-related activities, and volunteer history. If applying for a flight training scholarship, list certificates obtained, dates, and flight hours completed; otherwise, omit flight-hour details unless requested. Use reverse chronological order for clarity and ensure dates and institution names are accurate.

- **Length and format:** Maximum two pages; no photo.
- **Content:** Work/school history, awards/honors, aviation activities, volunteer experience.
- **Flight details:** Certificates, dates, and flight hours only if applying for flight training awards.
- **Clarity:** Use reverse chronological order and verify all dates/entries.

WAI Harvard Emerging Leaders Scholarship (Special Requirements)
The Harvard Emerging Leaders scholarship has separate membership and material requirements and is intended for experienced professionals with leadership potential. Applicants must be WAI members with membership expiring June 30, 2027 or later, or join by August 30, 2026. Required application materials differ: one recommendation letter (≤1 page, not from family), a 500-word leadership-focused essay responding to the portal prompt, a professional résumé (max two pages), and a statement committing to the course dates. For 2027, Harvard applications are submitted through the same general WAI2027 scholarship portal.

- **Membership (Harvard):** Expiration on or after June 30, 2027, or new member by Aug 30, 2026.
- **Candidate profile:** At least seven years of career experience and leadership aptitude.
- **Required documents:** One recommendation letter, 500-word leadership essay, two-page résumé, and statement of commitment to course dates.
- **Course options & dates:** On-campus Women in Leadership Course May 11–13, 2027 (Cambridge) with a virtual follow-up June 24, 2027 (11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. ET), or Virtual Women in Leadership Course June 2–4, 2027 (Zoom, 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET).
- **Application path:** Harvard applications included with the general WAI2027 scholarship application.