Hyannis, MA, January 4, 2018 – Students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), the University of North Dakota and the National Aviation Academy have been awarded a total of $8,000 by the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) to help them pursue degrees in aviation including two studying to become Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs), one pilot and one pursuing a master’s degree in Aviation Education.
“Scholarships go a long way toward helping students defray the high cost of earning an aviation degree,” said RACCA President Stan Bernstein. “At a time when there are severe shortages among aviation maintenance technicians and with commercial pilots, it is essential we all do our part in seeing these young people reach their goals. We have been very successful in increasing donations to our scholarship fund, increasing the number of scholarships awarded as well as the amount each candidate receives.”
The students hail from all over the North America including Hector Diaz Pena Jr, of the Dominican Republic; Abigail Jarve of Seattle, WA; Dee Barnes of Coeur d’Alene, ID; and Daniel Clinton of Puerto Rico.
Mr. Diaz, who will become an AMT specializing in avionics, was cited for his exceptional leadership and work ethic in not only achieving a near 4.0 grade point average but in helping other students struggling to complete the curriculum at the National Aviation Academy in New England. His goal is to start at a large maintenance company and work his way up to senior management while continuing his education throughout his career. In addition, to his education, Mr. Diaz supports himself and his wife driving for Uber and Lyft. Still he is striving to achieve the school’s President’s Award. He also works on behalf of the breast cancer charity Save the Tatas.
Ms. Jarve is a senior at the University of North Dakota studying Aviation Management and Commercial Aviation where she is on the path to become a commercial airline pilot. She also plans to pursue aviation business curriculum as well. Her goal is to ultimately fly for her favorite airline – Alaska Airlines – where she was a summer pilot intern this year. Her strategy includes becoming a flight instructor and corporate pilot to build time toward her Air Transport Pilots license. Ms. Jarve, a graduate of Raisbeck Aviation High School, is active as a liaison between students and school administration. She is a member of the Aviation Education Student Outreach Program which develops the next generation aviation professionals by hosting community events and visiting schools to recruit future aviation professionals. In recommending her for the scholarship Alaska Captain Kristina Huffman cited her commitment to her career and aviation professionalism.
Dee Barnes came to an aviation career after being hired in 2000 by Empire Airlines where she continues to work during her studies. She is currently pursuing an MS in Aviation Education from ERAU-Worldwide. Her goal is to become a Flight Operations Trainer. Her nomination for the scholarship noted her dedication as an aviation professional at the Coeur d’Alene-based airline and her willingness to help co-workers. Interested in communications, safety and security, she also served as a flight dispatcher, ground instructor. As the airline’s security coordinator, Ms. Barnes single handedly built the company’s passenger security program from scratch ensuring compliance with the Department of Homeland Security regulations.
Daniel Clinton from Bayamon, Puerto Rico was cited for his role as class representative of National Aviation Academy’s Student Council where he mentors classmates. He was also cited for consistently staying ahead of the curriculum. He has already earned his Airframe & Powerplant license during which he achieved the Academy’s second highest grade-point average in his studies to become an Aviation Maintenance Technician. Mr. Clinton is currently working toward his rating as an avionics technician. He, too, is vying for the Academy’s President’s Award.
The RACCA Aviation Scholarship is established for the purpose of promoting and assisting students pursuing an aviation career and to make students aware of the opportunities in the air cargo industry. Scholarships can be used to assist in the payment of tuition, flight training or to obtain new or additional licenses.
Applicants for the RACCA Scholarship must:
- Be a college student currently enrolled in an accredited aviation program.
- Be a resident of the United States.
- Currently carry a Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Candidates will be considered without regard to race, gender, religion, disability or national origin.
About RACCA
The Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) represents the nearly 50-member Part 135 and Part 121 cargo carriers who have nearly 1,000 aircraft in their fleets. The members’ role in the aviation industry is meeting the cargo needs of small communities and connecting them to the national transportation aviation system, many via the global networks of FedEx, UPS and DHL. RACCA focuses on improving safety and representing its members in Washington. For more information visit https://www.raccaonline.org.
