Gloria Heath Scholarship
Flight Safety Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax deductible and securely process through Stripe.
The Flight Safety Foundation Gloria Heath Scholarship program is named after a woman who played a critical leadership role in the early days of the Foundation. She was an aviator who served in the U.S. Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. She was named one of the 100 most influential women in aviation by Women in Aviation International and was a recipient of numerous awards, including the Amelia Earhart Award and the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award.
The Gloria Heath Scholarship recognizes a female student’s commitment to a career in aviation, scholastic excellence indicative of success in the future, a strong interest in and aptitude for aviation, and a demonstration of strong character and integrity. Read more about Gloria Heath here.
Submission Open: March 23, 2026 – May 8, 2026
We’re excited that you are working toward a career in aviation, and we’re here to support your success.
Before applying for the Gloria Heath Scholarship, please review the information below so you know what to expect.
Eligibility
- Open to women of all ages who are pursuing a career in aviation. This includes but is not limited to roles such as pilots, mechanics, engineers, air traffic controllers, and technicians.
- All questions must be answered and documents submitted before the application will be considered.
- Students must be enrolled in, or accepted to, an accredited college or university offering a program in aviation, aerospace, or a related field, OR a certificated aviation training organization
- All individuals chosen to receive a scholarship will be required to record a short 15-20 second video of acceptance for Flight Safety Foundation to announce the winners on social media and use in future scholarship marketing activities.
Key Information
Available scholarship: Up to four (4) scholarships will be awarded.
Value: Award amounts vary – depending on applicant’s financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in aviation.
Submission Deadline: May 8, 2026 – late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Winner Notification: June 12, 2026
Winner Video Submission: June 19, 2026
Ready to Apply
Reflect on the personal experiences, moments, or inspirations that led you to pursue a career in aviation. Consider answering these prompts:
What sparked your interest? Was it an early fascination with airplanes, a specific event (like a flight experience), or family connections in aviation?
Why is aviation appealing? Think about aspects such as problem-solving, innovation, or the excitement of flight.
How did this interest evolve? Mention any steps you’ve taken to deepen your knowledge (e.g., aviation-related education, attending airshows, flying experiences).
Discuss the journey toward your career goals, highlighting both challenges you’ve faced and milestones you’ve achieved. Consider the following:
Successes: Describe achievements such as completing flight training, obtaining certifications, or overcoming a challenging academic course.
Obstacles: Talk about any hurdles like financial difficulties, balancing studies/work, or technical challenges.
Explain how you intend to use the scholarship funds.
Immediate use: Will the scholarship help with tuition, flight hours, or materials for training?
Long-term use: How will it support your career advancement, such as through advanced certifications, specialized training, or networking in the aviation industry?
Highlight how you are contributing to, or plan to contribute to, improving aviation safety. Here are some points to consider:
- Personal commitment to safety: Discuss how you prioritize safety in your own training or career. This might include a focus on adhering to best practices, consistently following procedures, or learning from past safety events to improve your own skills.
- Involvement in safety-related initiatives: Have you participated in safety seminars, workshops, or training programs that focus on aviation safety? Mention any relevant experience, such as working with safety management systems or participating in safety audits.
- Future contributions: Explain how you plan to contribute to the advancement of safety in aviation. This could involve staying up to date with the latest safety technologies, promoting a safety culture in the workplace, or pursuing certifications and education related to safety management.
These letters should come from individuals who can speak to your abilities, work ethic, and passion for aviation.
- Who to ask: Approach people who know you well and can provide specific examples of your skills and dedication to the field of aviation.
- Content of letters: The letters should address your character, skill, knowledge, and potential in aviation. Provide your recommenders with details about your goals and achievements to help them write a good letter on your behalf.
Attach documentation that shows ongoing work toward achieving your aviation goals, such as flight hours, technical training/classes, transcripts, or certifications.
If you experience any issues with the form, you can access it directly here.
Donate to the Program
As the Flight Safety Foundation continues its steadfast commitment to advancing aviation safety, we recognize the undeniable value of diverse perspectives and experiences in mitigating risks and enhancing safety standards. At the core of our mission is a profound belief in fostering gender diversity within the aviation industry, ensuring that women are not only included but are also provided with meaningful avenues for career growth.
Join us in fostering gender diversity within the aviation industry and helping young women unlock their full potential. DONATE TODAY!
Flight Safety Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax deductible and securely process through Stripe.
How can you help?
Flight Safety Foundation is seeking to partner with distinguished colleges, universities, and aviation training programs around the globe, to bring scholarship opportunities to young women studying aviation and aerospace.
Assist us in identifying students in your aviation program who stand out as Gloria Heath Scholarship recipients!