First U.K. University To Have Been Granted The $5,000 Scholarship Sponsored By The International Aviation Women’s Association

A new scholarship for women funded by the International Aviation Women Association (IAWA), has been announced today at Cranfield University, a leading university at the forefront of aerospace technology.

The award was announced by IAWA board member and Senior Vice President of Airbus Katherine Bennett CBE, during her acceptance of an Honorary Doctorate from Cranfield.

Cranfield University has specialized in aerospace technology for over 70 years and is the only European university with its own airport. It is the first U.K. University to have been granted a Scholarship Award by IAWA towards tuition fees which will entitle it to select female students to enable them to pursue a career in aviation or aerospace - helping to increase the representation and advancement of women across the sector.

The IAWA was founded in 1988 and recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary. Its core goal is to develop the next generation of female leaders by introducing mentoring programs, internship programs and scholarships. The organisation has worked with universities across the globe to identify these candidates and help progress their aviation career.

"Cranfield is an exceptional university which provides vital research and support to the aviation industry, as well as producing a wealth of British business talent. IAWA is delighted to help support the development of women at Cranfield who are passionate about careers in aviation," said IAWA vice president Kathryn Callahan. "We have no doubt these students will take a leading role in helping the sector deal with the unique challenges we face in the future, as well as making a genuine contribution towards increasing the number of women involved in this hugely significant industrial sector.”

"We are very grateful for this generous award from the IAWA. Cranfield has a proud history in aerospace and an exciting future, leading developments in the global aviation industry." said Professor Helen Atkinson CBE FREng, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Aerospace, Transport Systems and Manufacturing at Cranfield University. "As members of the ‘Women in Aviation, Aerospace & Defence Charter’ and winners of an Athena Swan Bronze Award we have made diversity a priority for our University and this award from IAWA will support our work.”

The scholarship is valued at $5,000 each year and is open to all students. Applications for the scholarship will be opening shortly.

(Image provided with Cranfield University news release. Pictured: Katherine Bennett CBE [center] with Baroness Young of Old Scone, Chancellor of Cranfield University [left] and Professor Sir Peter Gregson, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Cranfield University [right])

FMI: www.cranfield.ac.uk/aerospace?