The American Airlines Education Foundation awarded $975,000 in scholarships to 360 children of team members at a ceremony last night in Dallas. This fall, the scholarship recipients will be studying at 230 universities in nine countries, 41 states and Washington, D.C.
“This year’s students are some of the most impressive we’ve seen — student-athletes, licensed pilots, Eagle Scouts and more — and they are the future of our global community,” said Ron DeFeo, President of the American Airlines Education Foundation Board and Senior Vice President of Global Engagement for American. “Working at American is a family affair, and contributing to the educational journey of the next generation is a terrific way to engage American Airlines families.”
Each recipient received a $2,500 scholarship, and 44 first-generation college students each received an additional award of $1,000.
“I've been with American for almost 20 years, and to see the company I work for reward my daughter with this scholarship is such a blessing,” said Crystal Johnson, Material Logistics Specialist, Tech Ops – Tulsa. “Janae and her two sisters are American babies. Their father, Geronn Tunley, is an Aviation Maintenance Technician.”
“Carson, Claire and I are so honoured to celebrate with our mom and receive the American Airlines Education Foundation scholarship,” said Sarah Marc, daughter of Miami-based Flight Attendant Leesa Marc. “It comes as a reward from hard work, and as triplets, it makes it even more special to be able to share it together.” The triplets will be freshman at the University of Florida this fall.
The Education Foundation received more than 1,700 applications as part of the competitive process. Managed by third-party scholarship experts, scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and commitment to community service and volunteerism. High school seniors and undergraduate college students are eligible to apply for the scholarships and can receive the award for up to four years.
This year’s honorees represent communities from all over the world, including:
Charlotte, North CarolinaChicagoDallas-Fort WorthLima, PeruLondonLos AngelesMexico CityMiamiNassau, The BahamasNew York CityPhiladelphiaPhoenixSão Paulo, BrazilTulsa, Oklahoma
“I’m a four-time scholarship recipient, and I’m so grateful that American has invested in my future,” said Sandeep Singh, four-time recipient and the son of Paramjeet Singh, a Fleet Service Agent in Palm Beach, Florida. “American’s generosity has allowed me to focus on my education and ease the stress of paying for school.”
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