In 2007 the WAMA Scholarship/Sponsorship program provided significant benefit for several activities and candidates. These included the following:

Thomas Eller Memorial Scholarship
Aaron Easton from the University of North Dakota was awarded the annual Thomas Eller Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is in memory of Thomas Eller, a former airport manager, for his professional service as an airport manager, his membership in WAMA, and the friendship he readily shared with his colleagues. It is awarded to an outstanding student majoring in airport management or a related field.

2008 Scholarship Update: We are working with Central Washington University and Green River Community College on scholarships for this year.

Internship
We supported an internship sponsored by the Port of Seattle for their intern, Jessica Sanford. A letter from Jessica describes the benefits of the internship program much better than I ever could—and, there is more to the story. Michael Cheyne informed me that Jessica was hired recently by Sea-Tac, Aviation Planning, as a Planner 1. He indicated that her decision to apply, contrary to her previous interest and University of Washington Masters work in International Trade, was due in part to attendance and excitement related to her AAAE conference experience. Without the assistance from WAMA, the Port would not have been able to send Jessica to the conference. This is an example of why we need to develop young people and give them opportunities. The industry will receive payback tenfold.

We supported an internship sponsored by the Yakima Air Terminal for their intern Toby Shope. This internship provided benefit to both the intern and the airport. Toby gained airport experience by managing small projects, job shadowing airport staff, observing airport operations, and attending airport meetings. The airport benefited by having Toby’s help with airport activities at a time when they needed it most.

2008 Internship Update:  We need applications for internships.  If you have an internship program, or are planning to start one, and would like some financial help from a WAMA internship grant, send me your internship application.

Internship Application Guide / Form

Community Aviation Education
Paine Field was awarded the community aviation sponsorship for the aviation academy conducted in conjunction with Paine Field’s Airport Appreciation Day. The aviation academy includes ground school classes, field trips, an airport tour, and a graduation flight.

WAMA contributed to the Aviation High School Robotics program. The robotics program included a classroom project to build a robot that is capable of performing a physical function, such as picking up an object and placing it on a shelf. Upon completion, the classroom robot is entered into a national competition.

Conference attendance expenses were covered for students from the Aviation High School and their chaperones to attend WAMA conferences.

2008 Community Aviation Education Update: We plan to again support the Aviation High School robotics program and to help cover conference expenses for Aviation High School students and their chaperones.

Professional Development 
The WAMA Aviation Education Committee has developed criteria for a professional development program. This is a $1,000 grant to a deserving WAMA member to further professional development by helping cover the cost of programs such as AAAE Accreditation. In 2007, a professional development grant was awarded to Rich Mueller to assist him with AAAE accreditation expenses.

2008 Professional Development Update:  WAMA has established the Aviation Education Program to foster interest in aviation and to support WAMA members. Please take advantage of this program and let me (see contact information below) know how WAMA can help you through this program.

Professional Development Application Guide / Form

The above are intended to be annual programs dependent upon available WAMA funding.

Download our aviation education brochure for more information, or
Contact: Reinhart Jung, PE
425-741-3800