Boeing Announces Scholarships To Diversify Pilot Training

Leading global aerospace company Boeing is investing in scholarships in pilot training to grow and diversify talent.

Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defence products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries.

The company reports that since 2019, it has invested over $8.5 million to bring pilot training programs to underrepresented populations in communities across the United States.

Investing Nearly $1M In Scholarships

Boeing is investing $950,000 in scholarships for pilot training to grow and diversify the talent required to meet significant long-term demand for commercial airplane pilots.

The donation will fund 25 scholarships, including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Latino Pilots Association, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Sisters of the Skies, and Women in Aviation International. 

“Funding flight training is often one of the greatest barriers for students of color pursuing a pilot career,” said Samantha Whitfield, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Executive Director, in a press release. “Scholarship partners like Boeing provide the much-needed support to fuel the careers of aspiring aviators.” 

Compton Takes Flight

They are also donating $450,000 to Fly Compton, an LA-based nonprofit that introduces minority youth to career opportunities in aerospace.

The investment will increase flight training classes offered to students in LA’s Compton community, alongside introducing career topics related to designing, building, and maintaining airplanes and drones.

Read: Meet Nigeria’s First Female Boeing 787 Pilot

“The demand for qualified and diverse pilots remains high at airlines worldwide. While becoming a pilot provides a lifelong career, access to training remains a barrier to entry for many,” said Ziad Ojakli, executive vice president of Government Operations at Boeing.

“These organizations are helping the next generation of pilots realize their full potential while also showing communities historically underrepresented in the industry that a future in aviation is possible.”