The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has seleced 15 individuals as winners of the 2016 AOPA Flight Training Scholarships, a program designed to help aviation trainees of all ages earn a pilot certificate. The scholarships are funded by donations to the AOPA Foundation.

The 2016 winners, who include seven female aviators, an active-duty Marine, three high-school and college-aged student pilots, and one recipient in his 50s, will receive grants ranging fro $2,500 to $12,000.

“Earning a pilot certificate takes dedication,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “But those who commit to meeting the challenge are inspired and rewarded with new skills, confidence, and the freedom to fly. AOPA, with the support of our generous donors, is pleased to help these 15 individuals pursue flight training and their dreams of becoming a pilot.”

The AOPA Flight Training Scholarship program launched in 2011, focused on facilitating a positive flight training experience that would encourage student pilots to achieve their goals. By helping to produce new pilots, the scholarship program also strives to ensure general aviation’s future, with scholarship recipients serving as ambassadors for GA and flight training on a grass-roots level.