A local businessman recently established an aviation scholarship fund to help students who are interested in aerospace industry careers.
Jay Chafin, a local State Farm agent, has donated $2,000 to the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation (LEAF) to establish the Jay Chafin State Farm Aviation scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded annually to students who seek education leading to aerospace industry careers.
Chafin sees LEAF as working to open minds and provide information often hidden from the public. He says, “I want all families to know about available opportunities so they can make the best decisions for their future. My dream of aviation was delayed; I hope this gift will help prevent that for others who may seek an aviation adventure.”
The demand for jobs in aviation is growing and in turn creating careers to support new applications of both manned and unmanned aircraft. With the aviation STEM studies career pathway at Mountain Home High School, students in ninth grade can now enroll in the three-year program to reach FAA certification as a commercial drone operator or to complete the FAA private pilot knowledge test. Earning these FAA certifications opens entry to aerospace industry careers and furthers study to more technical levels.
Chafin states life got in the way of his early dreams of flying. He said, “Life got in the way; career, family, more career and time went by until I felt I could not resist the call to learn to fly before I lost the chance entirely.” Chafin is now a private pilot and desires to “make sure our students know nothing out of reach for them. Students must be willing to try anything that interests them. I do not want anyone to ‘miss the chance’ because they were unaware or intimidated.”
LEAF supports students with “Experience” and “Academic” scholarships. Experience scholarships sends younger students to summer aviation-related camp programs for local “discovery flights” to directly experience aviation. Academic scholarships provide graduates with funds for tuition leading to aviation degrees or licenses. The Jay Chafin State Farm Aviation Scholarship will join the other annual awards supported by donations from local businesses and individuals.
To donate, visit www.leadingedgeaviationfoundation.org.
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