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The Skyward Wings Scholarship
Uplifting outstanding pilots and future leaders.
Award
The Skyward Wings Scholarship offers one $1500 scholarship to an individual pursuing a multiengine rating. Funds will be paid directly to the student's flight school of choice and are intended to cover the cost of one multiengine checkride fee.
Background
This scholarship aims to uplift an outstanding leader of the PAPA community. Founded by Carissa Yang, the funding of this scholarship is made possible through the generosity of the PAPA community. In turn, the recipient of this scholarship should embody a passion for building, fostering, and supporting their local community, both in their immediate future during training and long-term in the aviation industry.
Conditions
Must be utilized within 1 year of awarding.
May be applied toward a multiengine course, multiengine checkride fee, multiengine instructor course, or multiengine instructor checkride fee.
If, at any time, the recipient opts out of the multiengine training curriculum, the recipient must notify the Skyward Wings Scholarship team and the PAPA Scholarship committee so that scholarship funds may be returned and disbursed to a new recipient.
Eligibility
Must be an active member in good standing with the Professional Asian Pilot Association.
Must hold at least a private pilot certificate.
Requirements
One single-page resume.
One single-page letter of recommendation from a pilot who has flown with you.
Three short essays.
Application Process
1. Complete and submit scholarship application
2. Written application considerations
3. Video interview
Note:
All applicants will be contacted at the conclusion of the scholarship process, regardless of result.
Due to the competitive nature of this scholarship, we encourage those who do not receive the scholarship to reapply in subsequent years.
The 2025 application window opens this fall:
Funding
Funding for this scholarship is sourced through interest sponsors, including individual pilots, interested parties, and collaborating organizations or businesses.
Donations
If you are interested in becoming a scholarship sponsor or making a donation, contact Carissa Yang at [email protected] or visit the following form:
About the Founder
Carissa Yang is a commercially rated multi-engine pilot with her CFI, CFII, and MEI certifications.Her aviation career began in 2022 when she took a discovery flight in Chicago. With a newly sparked passion for aviation, Carissa began volunteering with Women in Aviation and the Professional Asian Pilots Association. She served as the Midwest Outreach lead for PAPA for eight months, increasing membership and coordinating various social and youth education events. In August 2023, she began flight training at United Aviate Academy, where she completed seven ratings in eighteen months before beginning work as a flight instructor. Throughout her aviation journey, she has been grateful for PAPA’s support and encouragement.The foundation of the Skyward Wings Scholarship exemplifies Carissa’s commitment to giving back to her community and marks the achievement of her longtime dream to unlock doors for the next generation of aviators.Carissa currently works as a Flight Instructor in the Midwest region. To fly with Carissa, contact her at [email protected].
