How many high school students can say that they have their pilot’s license?
The Upwind Scholarship Program grants two high school juniors the unique opportunity of earning their private pilot’s license free of charge during the summer before their senior year at the San Carlos Flight Center in San Carlos, Calif.
Created by a flight instructor and a student, the program is meant to spark the interest of youths intrigued by aviation, as well as make the dreams of prospective pilots a reality.
“People enter the world of aviation for reasons that are unique to them, and this program supports them all,” notes Terry Fiala, treasurer of the Upwind Foundation board of directors.
The scholarship is particularly notable not only because of the flight opportunities it presents but because of the financial advantage it grants, considering a Bay Area private pilot’s license can cost between $12,000 and $14,000.
Upwind began in 2013, so far granting four students the scholarship, and, because of its recent start, it only receives approximately 20 applications per year.
There are minimal requirements to qualify, and the deadline to submit an application is Feb. 27.
For more information visit upwindscholarship.com.
-Delaney King
