Teaming with the Leading Aviation Foundation, Lt. Col. Mary and Major Bob Walker, local military veterans known for their active community support, have contributed to the scholarship funds available for students pursuing aerospace industry careers.
Since 2021, Mountain Home High School students have competed for two types of scholarship awards from the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation. The “Experience” scholarships cover attendance at summer sessions of intense aviation experiences, advancing STEM academic skills. These immersive learning adventures use advanced technology, flight simulators and virtual reality games which encourage learning.
The second annual scholarship awarded by the Foundation is “Academic” and helps pay for the first year of education towards any aerospace industry career. Most recently, 2023 Mountain Home graduate Hunter Bahr, studying aeronautics at Missouri Science & Technology University received a scholarship with a goal to work for NASA or SpaceX.
One of this year’s “Experience” scholarships has already been awarded to Dylan Prins, current Executive Office of the Bomber NJROTC Battalion. Prins will attend the 2024 summer session of the National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Fl.
The Foundation’s “Academic” scholarship awards will be determined later this year. The number and amount of scholarships will depend on the cash available to the Foundation. This donation by the Walkers, will help provide more opportunities for students pursuing higher education to enhance their aviation career possibilities.
A third type of scholarship matching the Foundation’s mission to “educate, encourage and provide resources for those interested in aviation that might otherwise be excluded,” is also in the works for financial support for flight training at Baxter County Airport. “Flight training” scholarship options include the Foundation’s own aircraft, or rentals available at the airport. Both adults and qualified students may be “learner pilots” in flight training. This scholarship type rewards both those in training and the certified flight instructors who teach them here locally while using the facilities at our airport.
The Leading Aviation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) IRS certified charity, depends on tax deductible donations from local residents and businesses to provide access to aviation. The aviation STEM courses are available to students in grades 9-12 and participants are eligible for all three type education scholarships leading to aviation industry careers.
For more information or to contribute, contact gegaige@gmail.com or call 870-656-6005.
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