How It Works
From student to career pilot.
You reach out
Scholarship winners contact us and tell us where they are in their training. What certificate you are working toward, what questions you have, what career you are aiming for.
We match you
Our scholarship winners are paired with a mentor whose path aligns with theirs, whether you are a teen starting ground school or a student pilot ready for a regional airline interview.
You get guidance
One on one conversations, career advice, checkride tips, airline prep, and the kind of honest insight you can only get from someone who has already done it.
Our Mentors
Meet our mentors.
Ava Almquist
First Officer, E175 · Regional Airline
Founder, Airlines on Autopilot
Ava Almquist is an airline pilot, flight instructor, and aviation mentor passionate about helping the next generation discover what is possible in aviation. She began flight training in 2017 and has since earned multiple pilot certificates, worked as a CFI/CFII/MEI, trained and evaluated student pilots, and now flies professionally as an airline pilot.
Through mentorship, education, and storytelling, Ava hopes to inspire kids to dream bigger, ask questions, and see aviation as an exciting and achievable future.
Alyssa Silva
First Officer, E170/175 · Regional Public Airline
Pilot Talent Acquisition Team · Former WAI Phoenix President
Alyssa Silva is originally from the Boston area and moved across the country to Arizona to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. Her aviation journey has included roles as a Flight Attendant, Flight Attendant Supervisor, Flight Instructor, Ferry Pilot, and Part 135 Medevac and Private Charter Pilot.
Currently, she is a First Officer at a regional public Airline flying the Embraer 170/175 and a member of a regional Airlines Talent Acquisition Team (PTAT). She is the former President of Women in Aviation Phoenix and actively volunteers with Pilots N Paws and Flights for Life.
Alyssa has a deep passion for mentoring and supporting fellow pilots as they pursue their aviation goals.
Rhett Kamm
Chief Pilot · Flight School GM · Charter Pilot
In Aviation Since 1992
Rhett Kamm has been employed in aviation since 1992, beginning by flying hang gliders. He earned a BS in Aviation Technologies and has been instructing and mentoring since 1996 — all while flying charter in jets, serving as Chief Pilot and General Manager of large flight schools, and operating his own aviation companies.
He has a deep passion for working with young aviators and still gets excited watching people learn new skills. And yes — he still flies hang gliders.
Levi Alleyne
Vision Jet Corporate Pilot · Certified Flight Instructor
Aviation Mentor · Content Creator
Born in New Jersey and raised in Trinidad & Tobago, Levi Alleyne returned to the United States at 17 with a clear vision of building a career in aviation. Through discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering work ethic, he earned his pilot certifications and established himself as a corporate pilot and Certified Flight Instructor, flying high-performance aircraft while mentoring the next generation of aviators.
Beyond the cockpit, Levi has built a global audience as an aviation content creator, offering authentic insights into private aviation, flight training, and the journey to becoming a professional pilot. As an entrepreneur and mentor, he collaborates with leading aviation and lifestyle brands, educates aspiring pilots, and empowers others to pursue ambitious goals with confidence.
Through mentorship, Levi is committed to helping aspiring aviators navigate their training, accelerate their careers, and develop the mindset required for long-term success. His mission is to elevate aviation, create meaningful impact, and demonstrate that where someone begins never determines how far they can go.
Meet our scholars
NextGen Pilots scholarship recipients pursuing their dreams
Khloe
Age 16 · Mesa, AZ
Chasing her wings at 16
Khloe is a 16-year-old with a dream that is bigger than most adults dare to carry. She walked into our program with a passion for flight and the kind of determination that makes instructors take notice. After learning about the NextGen Pilots scholarship, she applied, and our board was moved by her story.
We are proud to award Khloe $3,000 toward her Private Pilot License, covering a significant portion of the flight training she needs to earn her wings. She represents exactly who this scholarship was created for: a young person who has the heart for aviation and just needs the opportunity to get off the ground.
"We created the NextGen Pilots scholarship because talent doesn't care about bank accounts. Khloe is exactly the kind of future pilot this program was built for."
— Shannon, NextGen Pilots Scholarship Board
Violet
Age 16 · Phoenix, AZ
Sky's no limit at 16
Violet is a 16-year-old with an unwavering determination to become a pilot. She walked into our program with a clear vision of her aviation future and the work ethic to match. Our scholarship board was inspired by her dedication and forward thinking approach to her career.
We are proud to award Violet $6,000 toward her Private Pilot License, a significant investment in her training and her dreams. She's already making remarkable progress in her lessons and demonstrating the focus and resilience that defines exceptional pilots.
"Violet's determination and growth mindset inspire everyone around her. She will be an incredible pilot."
— Jonathan, Kids in Aviation