Pacific Northwest Group Supports Future Industry Professionals Through Scholarships, Internships

Dec. 3, 2015

With an eye on the future of business aviation, the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA) recently awarded two $4,000 scholarships to students graduating from Seattle’s Raisbeck Aviation High School (RAHS). Since 2009, PNBAA has donated more than $50,000 to the school.

“Raisbeck Aviation High School’s principles and goals are in line with our aspirations to support men and women who desire to join the business aviation community,” said PNBAA’s Scott Jefvert.

PNBAA is also a conduit for mentorships and internships with its members, said Steve Davolt, who coordinates the RAHS program. A component of its curriculum since RAHS was established in 2004, mentorships provide a one-on-one relationship with aviation professionals. Many of the one-year minimum commitments last three or four years.

Nearly half of its 425 students – from freshmen to seniors – participate in RAHS’s full-time summer internship program. Approximately 60 percent of them are paid, and they cover the spectrum of the region’s aviation opportunities, says Davolt. Each one includes educational objectives that are assessed during the 10- to 12-week internship.

“Connecting and inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals is our mutual goal,” said Bruce Kelly, RAHS principal/CEO. “It is a privilege to see the vision and mission of PNBAA extended through the lives of our students. I consider PNBAA’s leadership and involvement as a model for other local business aviation associations.”

PNBAA’s connection expands through its partnership with NBAA, said Kristi Ivey, the association’s Northwest regional representative.

“NBAA is pleased to see regional business aviation groups like PNBAA partnering with wonderful STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] program schools like RAHS and paying it forward to the next generation of aviation professionals,” said Ivey.