IAWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
IAWA partners with eight colleges and universities around the globe to bring scholarship opportunities to young women studying aviation and aerospace. All eight university partners distinguish their programs by not only focusing on academic excellence in the aviation industry, they also intentionally focus on advancing gender diversity of their students and faculty members through their recruitment and retention. IAWA Members, including our Advocates and past Scholarship Recipients, and our University Partners jointly host events that highlight the importance of gender diversity and how we all can fill an important role in advancing the global aviation industry. IAWA also works to expand industry relationships and partnerships to ensure our scholarship program remains funded to levels that will continue to make a difference for our scholarship recipients.
Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients
Arcenia Belo
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Arcenia Belo is a Fulbright Scholar from Timor-Leste. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Aviation Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she also serves as a Graduate Research Assistant. She has over seven years of experience in the aviation sector, having worked as an Air Traffic Controller and supporting air traffic control inspections and audits under the Directorate of Air Navigation Services in Timor-Leste.Through her work, she has contributed to maintaining airspace safety and strengthening operational practices.
Arcenia is passionate about expanding access to aviation careers, particularly for women in underrepresented communities. As one of the first women from Timor-Leste to pursue graduate studies in aviation internationally, she is committed to using her journey to inspire others. She is currently leading the establishment of Women in Aviation in Timor-Leste through social media, creating a platform to connect, support, and encourage young women to explore opportunities in aviation.
Her academic and professional interests focus on aviation management, leadership development, and therole of education in building strong and sustainable aviation systems. She hopes to contribute to the continued development of aviation in Timor-Leste while promoting greater gender equality and collaboration within the global aviation community.
Taylor Allen
Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
Taylor Allen is a J.D. candidate at SMU Dedman School of Law. Growing up in Houston, she developed a passion for aerospace and aviation law from an early age through her family’s work at Johnson Space Center. As an avid traveler who has visited over 30 countries, she is committed to exploring the world both personally and professionally.Outside the classroom, she proudly serves as vice president of the Air & Space Law Society, focusing on increasing women's representation in the industry. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs and rock climbing.Taylor is thrilled to be an IAWA scholar, and she looks forward to combining her legal education with her passion for the industry. She hopes to foster lifelong connections within IAWA and empower the next generation of women in aerospace law.
Partner Colleges and Universities
The Scholarship application process is a reflection of the joint commitment by our university partners and IAWA to identify the next generation of female leaders in global aviation. A scholarship candidate must first obtain the approval to apply for the scholarship directly from their respective college or university and complete the detailed application package. Each institution then submits the completed application package of the finalists to IAWA. The students that are selected to receive an IAWA scholarship share noteworthy and inspirational traits - they share our passion for aviation, they have demonstrated grit in overcoming challenges in their academic and personal lives, and, most importantly, they each have a desire to Connect, Inspire and Lead on their college campuses, in their work, and in their volunteerism.
IAWA's scholarship is unique as it supports both the academic and professional development of our scholarship recipients. Beyond a financial award for tuition, it also includes a free year of IAWA Scholar Membership that provides access to our events and Career Growth programs, attendance at our annual conference to connect with members and develop ones professional network, the opportunity to participate in future IAWA events, obtaining a mentor in IAWA's Mentoring Program, and access to Internships through IAWA's network of partners in the aviation industry.
To learn more about the impact of IAWA's scholarship, please listen to our podcast, Connect, Inspire and Lead, with our 2022 Scholarship Recipient, Carine Manase.
If you would like more information on the IAWA scholarship program, please email - info@iawa.org