"Record-Breaking" Number of Applications Show 70% Increase in Interest over 2021

The National Gay Pilot’s Association received the greatest number of scholarship applications this year, sifting through 376 essays for financial support.

While that number may seem somewhat small to those accustomed to scholarship programs sorting through thousands of applicants, the relatively youthful NGPA says it represents a 70% increase over the level of interest shown in 2021. The organization's star is on the rise, thanks to a healthy crop of commercial supporters and companies offering a slate of scholarships that are hard to compete with. This year, the org has announced flight training scholarships over $360,000 for disbursement to a new crop of students, with amounts ranging from $2,500 at the low end and topping out at $71,250. For the individual recipient, the amounts are enough to kick-start a career, with most receiving a $5,000 flight training or mechanic scholarship. 

The NGPA notes that its scholarships are open to all members of the organization, not limited to any specific demographic. Specifically, the group reiterated that scholarships are available to "all who demonstrate a passion for aviation and actively dedicate themselves to supporting the LGBTQ+ community," and that "sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are not considered as a basis for awarding scholarships".

NGPA Board Vice Chair, Scott Konzem said that it's been a great year for the program. “We are so happy to announce a truly record-breaking year for the NGPA Scholarship Program. Not only did the program have the highest number of applicants ever, but we also are giving away more than double the scholarship value from 2021. Our scholarship program remains one of the key tenants in our efforts to build, support, and unite the LGBTQ+ aviation community.”

FMI: www.ngpa.org