Santa Rosa 99s Aviation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Santa Rosa 99s

Description / Purpose
The Santa Rosa Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots, awards an annual scholarship to support a local woman pilot’s flight training or continuing education. The scholarship is targeted to further the recipient’s pursuit of an aviation career by funding a specific rating, certificate, or approved aviation education. Awards are intended to be applied directly to documented training or academic costs that advance professional goals in aviation. The program emphasizes practical, career-focused use of funds rather than general living expenses.

**Key takeaways**
- Annual scholarship by the Santa Rosa Ninety-Nines for local women pilots.
- Funds must support a specific rating, certificate, or aviation education.
- Purpose is to further a career in aviation, not general expenses.

Eligibility
Applicants must meet several baseline qualifications to be considered for the award. A candidate must hold at least a current private pilot license, maintain a current medical certificate and a current flight review, and be at least 17 years old. Applicants must reside within 150 miles of Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (Santa Rosa, CA), plan to pursue a career in aviation, and not be a previous recipient of this specific Santa Rosa Ninety-Nines scholarship. Membership in the Ninety-Nines or in the Santa Rosa chapter is permitted but not required.

**Key takeaways**
- Minimum: private pilot license, current medical, current flight review, age ≥17.
- Residency requirement: within 150 miles of Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport.
- Must plan an aviation career; previous Santa Rosa scholarship recipients are ineligible.
- Membership in the Ninety-Nines is optional.

Application guidelines and deadline
Applications must be submitted using the official scholarship form exactly as provided; do not submit a self-created or altered form. The Santa Rosa Ninety-Nines scholarship committee will verify eligibility before judging. All applications must be postmarked by midnight on the published due date to be considered; no alternative formats or late submissions are permitted unless explicitly stated. Follow the form’s instructions closely to avoid disqualification for format or completeness errors.

**Key takeaways**
- Use only the official application form; no alterations allowed.
- Eligibility verification is conducted by the scholarship committee.
- Applications must be postmarked by midnight on the stated due date.

Selection and judging criteria
A selection committee of three members from the local aviation community reviews and ranks applications. Evaluation emphasizes demonstrated aviation activity, the applicant’s commitment to aviation, and evidence that the applicant can meet planned goals (documented by recommendations, academic and professional records). Demonstrated financial need is also considered as part of the holistic review. The committee’s assessment focuses on readiness to use the award for the intended rating or education and the strength of supporting materials.

**Key takeaways**
- Reviewed by a three-member local aviation selection committee.
- Judging factors: aviation activities, commitment, goal feasibility, and financial need.
- Recommendations, essays, and records are used to substantiate claims.

Award value and permitted uses
The scholarship award is a single $5,000 grant that must be used within one year of issuance. Funds may be applied to academic tuition, fees for technical schools, or flight training directly related to the rated certificate or coursework requested. Scholarship funds are restricted to a single rating or certificate—recipients cannot divide the award across multiple unrelated goals. Plan and document the training or education clearly to align with the award’s intended use.

**Key takeaways**
- Award amount: $5,000; must be used within one year.
- Permitted uses: academic tuition, technical school fees, or flight training.
- Funds are limited to one rating or certificate only.

Disbursement requirements and documentation
Scholarship funds are reimbursed based on submitted receipts that document the training or educational expenses. Receipts must be signed by both the student and the instructor and, when applicable, include copies of logbook entries. In addition, applicants must have completed any written requirements for the targeted rating before scholarship funds are dispersed. Keep careful records and gather signatures and logbook evidence to ensure timely and full reimbursement.

**Key takeaways**
- Funds disbursed by reimbursement only—must submit signed receipts.
- Instructor and student signatures required; include logbook copies where relevant.
- Written requirements for the rating must be completed prior to disbursement.

Notification timeline
The scholarship committee will notify the winning candidate and all applicants who did not qualify by October 31, 2025. Notifications will communicate selection decisions and any further steps required of the recipient to receive funds. If you do not receive a notification by that date, contact the Santa Rosa Ninety-Nines scholarship committee for confirmation. Retain copies of your application and supporting documents in case follow-up is required.

**Key takeaways**
- Decision notifications sent by October 31, 2025.
- Winners and non-qualifying applicants will both be notified.
- Contact the committee if you do not receive notification by the deadline.