Colton Russell of West Plains, MO has received a unique full-scholarship opportunity for private pilot flight training, thanks to Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter #1218, Willow Springs and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program administered by EAA, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The Ray Aviation Scholars program provides $11,000 scholarships to young people who are seeking to learn to fly. The Ray Foundation has provided $1.8 million to fund the scholarship program, which seeks to improve the flight training success rate from the current industry standards of 20 percent to 80 percent for program participants. Local EAA chapters are responsible for identifying youth for the Ray Aviation Scholarship program and mentoring them through flight training. The Ray Foundation is furthering the legacy of James Ray, an EAA lifetime member who was dedicated to aviation and youth education. The initiative is designed to help meet the tremendous future demand for pilots and
associated aviation careers.
