From Staff Reports editor@dallasvoice.com

Officials with the National Gay Pilots Association Education Fund have announced plans to award $15,000 in scholarships in 2011 to aviators pursuing careers as professional pilots.

Applications can be submitted between Jan. 1 and March 21, with more information and applications available online at NGPA.org.

Scholarship awards, typically ranging from $3,000 to $4,000, will be announced sometime in June.Thomas Little, NGPA Education Fund chairman, said the scholarships are part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to support the community and foster opportunities for aspiring aviators.

“Our mission takes on heightened importance during these challenging economic times, as students struggle with the rising costs of flight training and higher education,” Little said.

The NGPA Education Fund has given out 41 awards totaling $117,000 since the program began in 1998. The organization awarded four scholarships of $3,750 each in 2010.

Factors considered in the award of scholarships include demonstrated academic ability, financial need and active participation in matters of social justice toward the betterment of the LGBT community. Scholarships will be awarded without regard to race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation or other group categories protected by non-discrimination laws.

Applicants must hold a private pilot license and be enrolled in an accredited flight school or in a university course of study with a flight program. Payments are made directly to the school and must be applied toward an advanced rating or tuition.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 3, 2010.