Scholarships

Our 2025 scholarship window is closed.

Visit us between June-August 2026, to apply.

We are committed to supporting the next generation of professionals in aviation.

Professional Aviation (ProAvi) Scholarships

$1000 each

Our Professional Aviation (ProAvi) Scholarships are open to women (age 18+) who are pursuing careers as professional pilots or in STEM fields related to aviation and aerospace.
Each ProAvi scholarship is worth $1,000, and applicants may apply for one ProAvi scholarship. If you also meet the criteria for a Wings of Change scholarship, you are welcome to apply for that as well.

The Wings Of Change
(WOC) Scholarships

$1000 each

This is an incredible opportunity for women who have a passion for aviation and a love for helping others through volunteer service. At the Grand Dames of Aviation, we believe in your limitless potential, and we can't wait to join hands with you on this inspiring journey.
Now, let's get ready to spread your wings and make dreams take flight!

2025 Scholarship Recipients

Bethany Fayard

Wings of Change Senior (23+) Scholarship Recipient

Bethany Fayard – New Orleans, Louisiana

Bethany’s passion for aviation began in 1997 with a discovery flight and a lifelong love of flying. After earning her private pilot certificate, she returned to aviation nearly 30 years later to pursue her professional pilot goals. Bethany has flown numerous Civil Air Patrol missions, serves actively in multiple aviation organizations, and mentors aspiring pilots.

Her dedication extends beyond the cockpit—she founded the Fayard Fentanyl Awareness Foundation, educating the public about the dangers of fentanyl and advocating for prevention and awareness. Bethany balances her business, flight training, and commitments with remarkable energy and enthusiasm.

Heather Smith

Wings of Change Junior(14-22) Scholarship Recipient

Heather Smith – Honolulu, Hawaii

Heather began flying with gliders and then single-engine aircraft through the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in Honolulu. She earned her Private Pilot License at age 17 and has continued advancing her skills, now attending Purdue University to pursue her professional aviation degree.

Heather has volunteered extensively with the Girl Scouts of Hawai’i for over ten years and with the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum every summer since 2022, sharing her knowledge of aviation with younger generations. Her involvement in aviation, education, and community service reflects her dedication to inspiring others while achieving her own professional goals.

Katherine Adams

ProAvi Pilot Scholarship Recipient

Katherine Adams – Daytona Beach, Florida

Katherine’s journey in aviation began in high school during a discovery flight, leading her to earn her Private Pilot Certificate before graduation. She is now pursuing her Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, with minors in Airline Operations and Applied Meteorology, and has completed her instrument rating and commercial pilot certificate. Katherine is beginning commercial multi-engine training and aims to become a flight instructor and professional airline pilot.

She is active in Alpha Omicron Alpha Aeronautical Honor Society and Tri-Sigma Sorority, participating in youth aviation events like EAA Young Eagle Day and Girls in Aviation Day, and supporting hospital fundraising efforts.

Anupama Kar

ProAvi STEM Scholarship Recipient

Anupama Kar – Daytona Beach, Florida

Anupama is pursuing her Master’s in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, having earned a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. She is also a licensed private pilot and combines her love of aviation with her passion for STEM.

During her undergraduate education Anupama served as President of her collegiate chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), where she successfully revitalized a dormant chapter and earned recognition for her service. She is dedicated to mentoring others, inspiring the next generation of engineers and aviators, and using her expertise to contribute meaningfully to both the aviation and STEM communities.