Urban Pilots Network & Professional Network

This Year's Winners

Neghat is student at Seneca Polytechnic where she is enrolled in the Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. Alongside her academic pursuits, Neghat is also pursuing her Commercial Pilot’s License at Diamond Flight Centre where she also works as a ramp Agent. Her passion for aviation has pushed her to become very involved in the aviation community and volunteers her time towards a variety of organisations.

Neghat HidariAir Canada Scholarship

Aiden is a 20-year-old student enrolled in the University of Waterloo's Geography and Aviation program with an emphasis on economics. He is currently rated as a Multi-IFR Commercial Pilot. Aiden is also very active in a number of extra-curricular activities and hopes to utilize his degree and experiences from his aviation career to create opportunities for others to discover the beauty in aviation and chase their aspirations.

Aiden ParkinsUPN/DNDF Scholarship

Ethan McCalla is a high academic achiever that enjoys contributing to the community. Since the age of 8 years old, his curiosity for how airplanes work has lead him to the goal of becoming an airline pilot. The aptitude and technical proficiency he has demonstrated is way beyond his years and showcases his passion for aviation. Ethan is currently a student pilot enrolled in a Geography and Aviation program at the University of Waterloo.

Ethan McCallaUPN/DNDF Scholarship

Kimani is an aviation student enrolled at Sault College pursuing his Commercial Pilot License. He hails from the small Caribbean Island of St Lucia where his passion for aviation was first fueled. Kimani enjoys volunteering his time especially in matters surround the aviation community. He aspires to become an Airline Pilot and is very enthusiastic about paying it forward for others especially those who looks like him.

Kimani HaydenUPN/DNDF Scholarship

Akida is a purser at Porter Airlines where he is responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers and flight attendants on board the aircraft. Akida aspires to become an airline pilot working for a major airline. He now holds a private pilot license and is pursuing his commercial pilot license.

Akida WattsUPN/DNDF Scholarship

Abdoul holds a Glider Pilot License, a Private Pilot License and a Skydiving License. He is currently pursuing a Commercial Pilot License at CPAQ AERO. His professional experience includes working as a bay lead and trainer in aircraft deicing at Montreal Airport for Aeromag 2000 YUL. Abdoul aspires to leverage his knowledge and experience to inspire and guide the next generation of pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

Abdoul Kader KimbaCOPA Scholarship

From building his own model airplanes as a child, to earning his private pilot license, aviation has always been Alasanne's passion. He is currently a commercial pilot student with the goal of also acquiring his Airline Transport License. Alassanne enjoys sharing his knowledge and volunteering in the aviation community.

Alasanne BikiengaCOPA Scholarship

Overview

Beginning this scholarship season, Urban Pilots Network is thrilled to offer two scholarships to its members aspiring to pursue a career in aviation:

Aviation Excellence Sponsorship in partnership with the Dream Never Dies Foundation.
Air Canada Scholarship in partnership with Air Canada.

Applicants may apply to both scholarships alongside any other UPN scholarships and grants for the same calendar year. Both scholarships make possible the attainment of an Aviation Bachelor's degree, a two- year Aviation Diploma, or pilot license/certifications. Winners are determined in a competition among eligible applicants, that is judged by a UPN Scholarship Committee.

Aviation Excellence Scholarship:

In partnership with the Dream Never Dies Foundation (DNDF), this scholarship is open each year to Urban Pilots Network (UPN) members who have successfully participated in UPN community programs offered throughout the Greater Toronto Area and who aspire towards professional careers in aviation. Awards for scholarship recipients start at a minimum of $1,000 but vary from year to year. Multiple applicants can receive different levels of awards based on the strength of their application.

Air Canada Scholarship:

In partnership with Air Canada, this scholarship is awarded to one individual yearly. The objective of the Air Canada Scholarship is to provide financial support for Urban Pilots Network members who aspire towards professional careers as commercial pilots or aircraft maintenance engineers at Air Canada. The Air Canada Scholarship is funded solely by Air Canada, with a yearly pledged amount of $2,000. All funds are held in a bank account by Air Canada and distributed via cheque directly to the recipient.

Applications open Nov 1, 2023 and close March 1, 2024.

Eligiblity for Award

GPA
Applicants must demonstrate a 2.5 grade average or higher during the last two years (i.e., grade 11 and 12) of secondary/pre-university preparatory schooling or during current post-secondary year. Transcripts must be official academic transcripts with school seal.
Aviation Program Enrollment
Applicants must be a part of an accredited post-secondary aviation program, an Integrated Airline transport program (IATPL), a modular (self-paced) Commercial license program, or a modular Private Pilot License program with the intent of progressing towards a Commercial license program. The applicant must provide proof of enrollment in either of these programs. Letter from the institution is acceptable as proof of enrollment.
Aviation Program Interest
Applicants must also demonstrate a keen interest in aviation with proof of being part of aviation activities (i.e., air cadets, flight training, volunteerism within aviation, etc.).

Applicants must show proof that they are accepted into, or are currently enrolled into a post-secondary institution, an Integrated Airline transport program, a modular (self-paced) Commercial license training program, or a modular Private Pilot License program with the intention of progressing to a commercial license.

Applicants in the relevant age group (i.e., high school seniors or those completing the last year of college preparatory work) must be planning to graduate high school during the winter or by the end of the spring school year.
Age
Applicants of all ages are considered for the Aviation Excellence Award that meet all application criteria.
*Additional Notes*
Applicants of the Air Canada Scholarship must meet additional eligibility criteria as listed below:

1). Applicants must show financial need.

2). Pilot applicants must have a Category One Medical and must have soloed.

UPN/DNDF Scholarship How to Apply

The online application must be completed and submitted no later than March 1st for the application year. If unable to apply online, email scholarship@urbanpilots.net and alternate arrangements can be made via email or mail. If alternate arrangements are required, please contact us as soon as possible as all documents will be subject to the same deadlines.

scholarship@urbanpilots.net
Urban Pilots Network Inc.
Attention: Scholarship Committee
5000 Yonge Street, Suite 1901 Toronto
Ontario, M2N 7E9

Download Application Instructions

Applying for scholarship

To be valid for consideration, an application must be submitted through the online scholarship form located within the membership portal. Please note applications open:

November 1st and Closes March 1st annually for the application year.

Download the 'Application instructions' and follow the step-by-step instructions
Should you have any issues or concern with your application submission, please reach out to us at: scholarship@urbanpilots.net

UPN Scholarships