September 28, 2005
For Immediate Release
For more information:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written by:
Kyle Chilton
(801) 863-8504
UVSC Helps Local Girls Attend Aviation Program
The Utah Valley State College Aviation Global Degree Program and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) have partnered to send four high school aged girls to participate in the second annual Coffy Gregory Aviation Academy in Oshkosh, Wis.
The Coffy Gregory Aviation Academy consists of two parts, AeroScholars and the Coffy Gregory Flight Academy. AeroScholars is a web-based curriculum that introduces participants to aviation and gives an option to take the FAA Private Pilot written test and earn up to five college-level credits, which count toward the UVSC aviation program. The Flight Academy is an extended weekend residence program held in Oshkosh, Oct. 7-9 that will feature presentations and activities to pique the interest of young women pursuing flight.
“This is a great opportunity for young women interested in aviation,” said Dustin Berlin, an adjunct faculty member of the Aviation Science Department. “It will give them a head start as they pursue aviation for personal interest or as a career.”
As part of the residence portion of the Aviation Academy, participants will enjoy a flight and begin working on the Fundamentals of Aviation course with EAA mentors. Also, female leaders in aviation will conduct sessions with the students.
The EAA will select the four 10-12th grade girls from the Utah Valley community next Wednesday, Sept. 28, based on their interests and career goals related to aviation. The EAA will also look at the students’ aviation experiences and if they have taken any classes related to aviation, though no previous aviation experience is required. Those selected will be eligible for a scholarship from the EAA to pay for their course tuition and a “Women in Technology” scholarship from UVSC to cover travel expenses to Wisconsin.
Florence Coffy Gregory was a long-time EAA member, an aviation enthusiast from Rockford, Ill. and one of the first licensed female pilots in the country. Her vision and generosity have made the program possible.
For more information or an application, contact Dustin Berlin at berlindu@uvsc.edu or (801) 705-9605.
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