Recipients Given Up To $12,000 Each For Private Pilot Training

Wings Over The Rockies, also known as “WINGS”, recently distributed 26 scholarships to Colorado students aged 15-19. They will each receive up to $12,000, amount depending on their current flight experience, to be used for their private pilot certification.

The funding for these scholarships comes from the Ray Foundation. This organization was founded in 1963 by James C. and Joan L. Ray, and its primary mission is to support educational programs that develop life skills through flight. Their contribution is distributed by WINGS, with 150 scholarships totaling over $1.3 million being awarded since 2019.

WINGS is a non-profit organization and Colorado’s official Air and Space Museum. They have two locations. The first, a museum in Denver’s Lowry neighborhood, features nearly 100,000 square feet of historical and educational exhibits and more than 50 air and space craft. The second, Exploration of Flight at Centennial Airport, contains interactive educational experiences with events and operational aircraft. Wings Over The Rockies is committed to inspiring and exciting all people about aerospace of all eras.

Major General John L. Barry, currently serving as the President and CEO of WINGS, stated: “We received more than 119 impressive applications for the scholarships. Our future is bright with the up and coming students who want to pursue a career in aviation.”

All of these applicants underwent a rigorous evaluation, including a lengthy application and interview with representatives from WINGS, the Colorado Pilot’s Association, and other partner organizations. The 26 students who were selected this year will not only receive financial assistance, but also a mentor for the training process to provide them with support and studying advice.

WINGS, with continued help from the Ray Foundation, hopes to continue to expand their scholarship program in order to assist as many students succeed as possible.

FMI: www.WingsMuseum.org, www.rayfoundation.us