Scholarships
The SIA Foundation works with a number of institutions to take its mission even further by providing our SIA students with various scholarship opportunities. Our students who have successfully completed our ground school, along with their written exam, are eligible for our merit based scholarship; designed to help our dedicated students achieve a career in aviation by covering the cost of flying with one of our associated flight instructors.
Jocelyn Morales-Dominguez was awarded the SIA Foundation’s $10,000 aviation scholarship. She will use the funds to pay for her Private Pilot’s license. Jocy, presently works at Spring City Aviation https://springcityaviation.com/ at the Baraboo-Dells Airport (KDLL). She is very excited about her future career in aviation and says she would like to pursue a career as a corporate pilot. Jocy is a former SIA Student and also helps SIA out when we have events for teachers and students, providing assistance to SIASim flight simulator users.
2024 SIA Scholarship: Jocelyn Morales Dominguez
Jocelyn is currently a student pilot and works at the Baraboo Dells Airport. Recently, we talked to her about her time as a student at SIA’s ground school and her plans for the future.
How did you find out about the Students in Aviation Foundation?
In the high school I went to in the Wisconsin Dells, they had daily announcements, and on them they had SIA. I decided to look into it and I ended up really liking it.
What made you want to go into a career in aviation?
For me, it was when I started using the flight simulators.
What was your favorite part of taking classes with SIA?
I like how [Joe Canepa] had people that were interested in aviation but had different careers around it come to talk to us.
What were some of the learning experiences you had with SIA that you want to take with you into your career?
We went to Oshkosh in July, and I got to meet a bunch of people and talk to them about my experience, and SIA, and the flight simulator. I even taught some of them how to use it, which was really fun.
What has been your process in reaching your goals in aviation?
I wanted to join the military, and I tried to go into the Air Force, but I was denied. I saw the student announcements and I looked into SIA, so I decided to go into that. We had a flight simulator at our school – I’m pretty sure SIA was the one who donated it – and I asked about it to see if they could get it fixed so I could use it during school.
What plans do you have for the future?
Eventually, I want to be a pilot. I’m not sure yet if I want commercial or corporate, but definitely a pilot.
What is one thing you would want to tell future students at SIA?
Using flight simulators is very different from flying, that’s for sure, but I would recommend it.
We recently talked with Kadence about her future in aviation. She is the recipient of the SIA/Ray Aviation $11,000 Scholarship and has already started her flight training. She started out in the SIA ground school that SIA holds; previously held at the Reedsburg airport.
2024 SIA/ Ray Aviation Scholarship: Kadence Funmaker
Why are you interested in aviation?
From a very young age, aviation has always captivated me. I remember reading magazines about planes and watching countless videos about them. It was in middle school that I was introduced to civil air patrol and taken on my first orientation flight that everything clicked. That experience opened my eyes to the possibilities and solidified my passion. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in a world of knowledge and acceptance, eager to pursue my dreams.
What are your long-term goals with aviation?
After I obtain my Private Pilot’s Certificate, I plan to attend the Air Force Academy. Where I will further my education by studying aeronautics. I plan to join the Air Force after college and fly there.
How has SIA helped you in your aviation career search?
The SIA has proven to be an invaluable resource in my aviation pursuits. Joe’s practical approach and in-person sessions have greatly enhanced my comprehension of complex subject matter that I previously struggled with. Joe’s expertise and willingness to assist with any inquiries has been truly exceptional. If aeronautics piques your interest, I strongly recommend attending his classes.
Kadence has shown dedication and commitment in getting her private pilot’s license. We wish her the best in her aviation career, wherever it takes her!
Pictured here, Anastasia Eisen presents Seth Hitman with a $1500 scholarship award.
2022 SIA/ John M Canepa Memorial Scholarship: Seth Hitman
Pictured here, Anastasia Eisen presents Hunter Kendall with a $1000 scholarship award.