Scholarship and Awards

The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships & Awards

Each year Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships are awarded to qualified members for five different scholarship types, including two specialized scholarships: an Emergency Maneuver Training Scholarship established in memory of 99 member Vicki Cruse and an International Scholarship, in memory of Kitty Houghton, for pilots in developing countries. In addition, the AEMSF provides Research Scholarship Grants and Fly Now Awards for  Since 1941 the AEMSF has awarded almost 800 scholarships plus 275 awards to student pilots earning their first certificate. The amount awarded for these scholarships, including Research Scholar Grants and Fly Now Awards exceeds $12 Million. 

There are five separate Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship applications in order to accommodate the most common types of requests. The applicant should use the application form most appropriate to her circumstances and goal.

Flight Training Scholarship
Up to $20,000 to complete an additional pilot certificate or rating or pilot training course. Examples: Multi-engine rating, commercial certificate, King Air competency or qualification training or Boeing 737 type rating.

Academic Scholarship
Up to $10,000 scholarship towards one year of a college degree in aviation or aerospace. Students may re-apply for continuing support through graduation. Examples: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in fields such as aerospace engineering, aviation business management, air traffic management, or professional pilot. Note: Flight training may be included if integral to curriculum.

Technical Training Scholarship
Up to $20,000 scholarship to complete an aviation or aerospace technical training or certification course. Examples: ATP CTP, Airframe and/or Powerplant Mechanic certificate, Dispatcher certificate, Air Traffic Control training program, government or manufacturer’s safety training, specialized training or certification course. Note: Excludes any flight training and any technical training that is part of a college degree program.

Vicki Cruse Memorial Scholarship for Emergency Maneuver Training
Fully paid scholarship to provide emergency maneuver and spin training in addition to an introduction to aerobatics. In memory of 99 Vicki Cruse, an internationally known aerobatic pilot, this scholarship is available to any licensed pilot member of The 99s without regard to existing ratings, financial need or length of membership. Complete details about the training can be found in the application package.

Kitty Houghton Memorial Scholarship
This International scholarship in memory of Kitty Houghton, is offered specifically to encourage women pilots in emerging economy countries to pursue a career in aviation benefiting their home country. In order to attract more applicants, the scholarship requirements are under review so the scholarship will not be available in 2023.

FOR STUDENT PILOT MEMBERS
First Wings applications are due April 1st & Oct 1st annually

Applicants must be Student Pilot Members for 3 months prior to the First Wings submission deadline and have logged 5 hours flight time within the preceding 6 months.  Award is up to $6,000 for specific milestones as they are achieved.

For FCC members looking to apply, please reach out to [email protected]

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FCC and Canadian Scholarships & Awards

Award of Excellence

The Award of Excellence is a great way to join the Ninety-Nines! This award is an “ Entrance Award” and does not apply to existing members.  Calling all female pilots and who have completed their Private or Commercial Pilot’s License between Jan 1st and December 31^st, 2024.

The award will be presented to the female pilot who meets the criteria listed on the application and who has achieved academic excellence, and flight proficiency in the region of the First Canadian Chapter of the 99s ( Great Toronto area and surrounding vicinities ). The award is a special project of the First Canadian Chapter, intended to encourage women to join the Ninety-Nines.

The NINETY NINES, INC. is an international organization of licensed women pilots from 35 countries. The organization was initiated by Amelia Earhart, and came into being November 2, 1929. She was elected first president and the group was named for the 99 charter members.

Members serve in a number of charitable and philanthropic support roles to aviation activities: Mentoring upcoming pilots, sponsoring and conducting aviation safety and educational seminars, introducing young people to aviation through presentations made in school settings and introductory flights at local airports, teaching flying companion seminars, just to name a few. The organization also sponsors a number of aviation scholarships for both its members and the general aviation community.

The award consists of a one-year membership to the Ninety-Nines, a cash award of $400.00, an individual plaque and a plaque, to be displayed at the flying club of the winner’s choice!

The deadline for applications is February 1, 2025. Winner is announced February 14, 2025.

To apply, complete the application form below, have it signed by your C.F.I., and then e- mail it to Laureen Nelson at [email protected].

New Track Scholarship

The New Track Flight Scholarship of $1000 is open to members of the Ninety-Nines Inc., for advanced pilot training, to acquire an Instrument rating, Instructor rating, Multi-engine rating, or a Float endorsement. 

Candidate must be aged twenty-one (21) to thirty-four (34) inclusive, who is on a ‘new track’ embarking on an aviation career, e.g., following post-secondary education or starting a second career. 

Applicant must have attained a Commercial Pilot License prior to the application deadline and within the previous twelve (12) months. 

Applicants Submission Deadline: Received by February 28, 2024. 

Dee Birchmore Butterfly Award

For women pilots who fulfill their dreams of learning to fly after other parts of their lives have unfolded. Dee Birchmore had many special qualities and achievements. Although she wanted to be a pilot from an early age, life took her in other directions. She was a “mature woman” when she followed her longtime dream and learned to fly. Not content to simply acquire the basic entry rating was consistent with Dee’s philosophy and work ethic. A lifelong learner, Dee also earned a Commercial licence and Instrument Rating. A few years after Dee learned to fly she was flying over a residential area of Toronto when her engine failed. She headed towards an open patch of grass where she would likely have had a safe emergency landing. But when she realized it was a schoolyard, she steered away and landed in a tree. The FCC of the 99s awarded Dee a specially created “Butterfly Award” to recognize her calm and compassionate decision-making, thinking of others rather than herself. This new award represents the winners’ mid-life flying achievements. We remember what an exemplary person Dee was by fulfilling her long held dream, later in her life. Dee had an exemplary flying record that brought her joy with the challenge of becoming a pilot. She shared her skills by flying recreationally and volunteering as an Operation Skywatch pilot. Dee sparkled when she was flying or when she joined her pilot sisterhood in other activities, like a butterfly which has emerged from a chrysalis!

Dee Birchmore Butterfly Award Criteria:

• She must have completed her PPL on or after her 50^th birthday.
• She should live within the East Canada Section of the 99s but need not to be a 99.
• Ideally she demonstrates her support for other women pilots in some way, such as by becoming a mentor to other women learning to fly, by becoming actively involved in the Ninety-Nines, or a role 

Award of Merit

The Award of Merit is presented to a 99 who has given exceptional service to the organization. Lorna deBlicquy received this award in 1993. That same year, she was the first woman honoured to receive the Trans- Canada (McKee) Trophy. She has opened doors for all women in aviation through her successful efforts in changing government hiring policies. She became Canada’s first woman Civil Aviation Inspector.

Canadian Award in Aviation

In 1974, members of the First Canadian Chapter established the Canadian Award in Aviation to promote aviation within Canada. Individual 99s and friends of the Canadian 99s have contributed enough funds to provide an annual award of approximately $2,000 to organizations whose activities promote, improve or preserve aviation and aeronautics in Canada. Individual Ninety-Nines do not qualify to receive this award. The award allows our women pilots to promote aviation through other organizations.

The deadline for the Canadian Award in Aviation is August 31st.

Governor’s Service Award

The East Canada Section’s Governor’s Service Award was introduced in 1995 by then Governor, Joy Parker Blackwood, to recognize, on an annual basis, one member of the East Canada Section 99s for her outstanding and continuing contributions to the 99s and general aviation.

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West Canada Section Scholarships & Awards

WEST CANADA SCHOLARSHIP: offers an annual $ 1,500 scholarship (since 1995)  The applicant must be a woman pilot who resides in Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon and Northwest Territories). She must be a person in good standing in the community.

ROSELLA BJORNSON SCHOLARSHIP: The Manitoba Chapter awards a ROSELLA BJORNSON SCHOLARSHIP annually. The Chapter was established in 1971. The first chapter chairperson was Rosella Bjornson who in 1973 became the first woman pilot to be hired for commercial jet service in North America. The Chapter Scholarship is named after Rosella as she is an exemplary role model for women who want to pursue a career in aviation. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund will receive an income tax receipt.  Donations may be sent to the Manitoba Chapter Ninety-Nines Scholarship Fund, e/o The Winnipeg Foundation, 301-161 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB. Scholarship info and applications,Rosella Bjornson Scholarship Info & Applications

BROADENING HORIZONS SCHOLARSHIP: Manitoba Chapter of 99s has formed two new scholarships! This scholarship is to give you a chance to fly an aircraft that you think will benefit you in your training and career (Floats, Skis, G1000, Home Build, C172, Retractable Gear, Taildragger, etc..). If you have any questions please ask Jill, Heather or Cindy as they are the Chapters Scholarship Committee. Further info at Manitoba 99s_Broadening Horizons Scholarship

MANITOBA C-FLUG SCHOLARSHIP: The Manitoba Chapter of the Ninety-Nines is pleased to announce the availability of a C-FLUG (Club Plane) Scholarship. The C-FLUG (Club Plane) Scholarship is for 10 or 20 hours of flight time on the club plane, C150 C-FLUG, for the purpose of building hours towards an advanced rating. This scholarship is open to female residents of Manitoba who are members of the Manitoba Chapter of the 99’s, and hold a Private Pilot License or higher.  C-FLUG SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

AIRPORT ACCOMMODATION SCHOLARSHIP: This NEW scholarship is open to women working on flight training or building hours who would benefit by having accommodations adjacent to an airport are invited to apply. The due date is January 21 each year, however, applications throughout the year are accepted as well. Watch the Manitoba 99s webpage for further information and applications. manitoba99s/scholarships/

BC Aviation Council: BC Aviation Council members recognize the financial pressures faced by students pursuing studies in aviation and aerospace, and the BCAC  provides scholarships and awards for students on an annual basis. Students actively pursuing studies in the following fields can apply for cash awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.   http://www.bcaviationcouncil.org/awards-scholarships/

The Mary Swain Memorial Aviation Training Bursary:

(Female Student) — $1,000
http://www.bcaviationcouncil.org/scholarships/

 Anderson Family Scholarship:

$5000 – http://www.bcaviationcouncil.org/scholarships/

BC Float Plane Association:

$2500, http://www.bcfloatplaneassociation.com/news/

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US 99s CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN TO CANADIANS: 

The Karen Johnson Solo Scholarship: is offered by the Ninety-Nines in partnership with the Ventura County chapter and is not administered through the AEMSF. The Solo Scholarship provides funding for flight training through first solo and beyond to young women between (16-20) who want to learn to fly. The application deadline is July 1. Additional info and how to apply can be found at www.kjsoloscholarship.com.

THE NINETY-NINES, INC. SCHOLARSHIP REGISTRY: The Ninety-Nines Scholarship Registry is a collection of scholarships offered by individuals, organizations, Chapters or Sections which will utilitize one application and set of instructions. Applications are collected and forwarded to the appropriate parties offering the scholarships. The Ninety-Nines do not review or judge the applications. https://www.ninety-nines.org/scholarship-registry.htm

Mommy Pilots Scholarship from the Southeast Section of the Ninety-Nines: An $800 award to encourage pilot moms who are 99s to continue or further her aviation goals and/or career. The scholarship is awarded to assist qualified applicants who would like to complete a private pilot certificate, seek additional ratings, certifications, endorsements, aerobatic training, upset and recovery training, participate in aviation safety courses or training or seek an advanced degree in an aviation or aerospace subject.  Applicants must be members of The 99s and an expectant mother or adoptive or birth mother of a child under the age of 18. Apps due April 2nd. More details –  https://www.ninety-nines.org/scholarship-registry.htm

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Scholarships Offered by Other Organizations

LADIES LOVE TAILDRAGGERS – TAILDRAGGER SCHOLARSHIP: Visit the LLTD website for details and to apply for their awards at http://www.ladieslovetaildraggers.com 

NORTHERN LIGHTS ElSIE AWARDS: The Northern Lights Elsie Awards are the pinnacle aviation and aerospace awards that recognize, promote and inspire past, present and future generations of Canadian women in the industry. The awards are separate from The Ninety-Nines, and was created by members of the 99’s. The goal of the Northern Lights Elsie Awards are to inspire the future leaders of Canada’s aviation and aerospace industry.  By recognizing the leaders who have come before, the ones currently driving our industry, and those who have the potential to lead, we hope to inspire the next generation of women in aviation. For more information visit the Northern Lights Aero Foundation website.

CAPTAIN JUDY CAMERON SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship targets young women in pursuit of careers as Commercial Pilots or Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, who may not have the financial means to do so. It is open to all women who are Canadian citizens and who have been accepted or are enrolled in a post-secondary aviation flight program or aircraft repair and maintenance program. Preference is given to those who volunteer to help other women in aviation or who have financial need. For more information, visit Northern Lights Aero Foundation Scholarship page.

FOREST OF FRIENDSHIP: The International Forest of Friendship is a living, growing memorial to the world history of aviation and aerospace. The Forest was a gift to America on her 200th birthday in 1976 from the City of Atchison, Kansas (the birthplace of Amelia Earhart); The Ninety-Nines (International Organization of Women Pilots), and the University of Kansas Forestry Extension. It contains trees from all 50 states and 35 territories and foreign countries, as well as a “Moon Tree” grown from seeds taken to the moon on Apollo 14. Tranquil walking paths weave through the Forest. The First Canadian Chapter 99s has honoured many of our members, past and present, with plaques at the Forest of Friendship. For more information and list of Canadians honoured, view here….

Reaching beyond The 99s Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships, scholarships both large and small are sponsored by 99s Sections and Chapters. Eligibility requirements vary considerably, so we recommend a thorough review of all scholarships listed.

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF WOMEN AIRLINE PILOTS: Varying grants and type rating awards. Criteria: Minimum 500 hours. The women of ISA+21 share a common professional bond of encouraging women worldwide to pursue careers as airline pilots. Each year, talented pilots are lost to the industry due to the high cost of flight training. These scholarships provide a means for ISA to contribute at a crucial point in a pilot’s career. Contact: International Society of Women Airline Pilots, Attn: Scholarship, 2250 Tropicana Avenue, Suite 19-395, Las Vegas, NV 89119-6541

WOMEN IN AVIATION INTERNATIONAL: Be sure to view their website and gain valuable advice on getting the scholarship you really want next year!

WHIRLY GIRLS – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN HELICOPTER PILOTS: Be sure to view their website for scholarship information.

COPA’S NEIL J. ARMSTRONG SCHOLARSHIPS:  The COPA Neil J. Armstrong Ab-Initio Scholarship promotes Canadian pilot development by providing annual scholarships to a student pilot in an ab-initio flight training program. Created to honour one of Canada’s foremost aviators, the scholarship has helped many Canadian pilots get their wings. COPA’s Neil J. Armstrong Ab-Initio Scholarship provides up to $14,000 toward eligible training costs associated with obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL). Visit COPA’s website for more information.

Women In Corporate Aviation Scholarships: Applicants must be a member of WCA to apply.

• AirFlite Pilot Training Scholarship – Value: $3,000
• CAE Citation 500 Series Aircraft Type Rating Scholarship – Value: $22,000
• Clear Skies Club Course: Aircraft Acquisitions, Charlie Bravo Aviation -Value: $5,000
• Executive Jet Management Training Scholarship -Value: $2,000
• FlightSafety International Citation Ultra Type Rating Scholarship – Value: $22,100

See their website for all criteria and to apply – http://www.wca-intl.org/scholarships/

Women Soaring Pilots Association

$750 Sky Ghost Scholarship for glider pilots 25 or younger
$750 Brieglib Scholarship for the annual Women Soaring Seminar
$750 Maria Faber Scholarship for a glider pilot seeking advanced training or a certificated airplane pilot seeking a tow plane endorsement
$750 Competition Scholarship to a glider pilot who is accepted to fly in a specific glider competition
$1,500 Mid Kolstad Scholarship for a Private Glider License or add-on rating.
$1,500 Flying Montagues, Monique, or Soaring NV Scholarships
Apps are due May 15th. For details visit –  http://www.womensoaring.org/

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