Hello,

My name is Chris Sidor and I am looking for a way to pay for a degree in aviation. I am currently a Private Pilot, working on my IRA rating. I am also the Operations Manager for a part 141 flight school, all while in high school. I plan on attending Westminster College in Salt Lake City. Up until last thursday, I though financial aid would not be an impact, as I had a source of funding to cover the majority of my college. Last Thursday I recieved a call and found out that funding source has fallen through, and to say the least, this has been a stressful Easter. I am not looking for a way to cover a four year aviation degree at Westminster. While I have applied to many scholarships, I am still several thousound dollar short of my dream to become an airline pilot. Any funding will help, no matter how small the scholarship or funding is. If needed, I can provide a resume as wellas any oter information such as a transcript, essay or anything else that may be needed. I am in the top 10% of my high school class, being a member of the International Baccalaureate Program (College classes in all subjects), as well as over 2,500 hours of community service, and member ship to many orginizations, such as the National Honor Society, National Scoiety of High School Scholars, and many more. I thank you for all that have read this and will deeply appreciated any and all help possible.

There are ways to higher education everyone can afford. Can you do two years at the local community college while keeping your job at the flight school? Then, could you transfer to an in state university and major in something outside aviation?

I suggest you talk to the career counselor at your high school and see what options you have.

You don't need to major in aviation to achieve your dreams.

Chris,

Coincidentally, my nephew is in IB so I know what that's all about, and my best friend got booted out of westminister after he blew out his knee (and his soccer scholarship).

With your academic background you should be able to obtain scholarships, but not necessarily for flight training. At this point, and with your academics, you might want to consider a degree other than aviation. You would probably find the typical aviation degree less tha stimulating academically. Perhaps aero engineering (I think Utah State has that). You can always do well in school, get a real job and pay for your flight training that way.

Also you could look inti military ROTC scholarships, preferably USAF if you want fly. Sounds like you might be competetive for that also.