August 24, 2026. Media contact: media@raa.org
Washington, D.C. – The Regional Airline Association (RAA) Scholarship Foundation today announced six recipients of its 2026 scholarships, each of whom will receive $4,000 toward their aviation education.
This year’s recipients are Lillian Burns (Fairmont State University), Ruth Calix (University of North Dakota), Crystal Cruz (Oklahoma State University), William “Parks” Kile (Auburn University), Mst Nahar (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide Campus), and Stella Nawyn (Polk State College).
“I read the essays submitted by our candidates each year and I see how hard these students are working, the different paths that brought them to aviation, the different obstacles many are overcoming, and how much they want to be part of this industry,” said RAA President & CEO Faye Malarkey Black. “Aviation education and training are expensive, and I am grateful to our donors for helping us support these six talented students as they work toward these careers.”
In 2026, our generous donors helped raise a record amount, allowing the Foundation to continue awarding more scholarships while making progress towards an endowment. RAA thanks every contributor who made these scholarships possible and recognizes the following donors who generously funded at least one full scholarship: Bill Whyte, CommuteAir, and Zachary Hall.
Established in 2019, the RAA Scholarship Foundation provides financial assistance to students pursuing aviation studies. The program reflects RAA’s commitment to helping talented students access aviation careers despite the significant costs of education and training.
Donations to the foundation truly make a difference to the talented young people who will become tomorrow’s industry leaders. Those interested in supporting the next generation can visit RAA’s Scholarship Foundation page to learn more and make a tax-deductible contribution.
The Regional Airline Association (RAA) provides a unified voice of advocacy for North American regional airlines aimed at promoting a safe, reliable, and strong regional airline industry. RAA serves as an important support network connecting regional airlines and industry business partners. Regional airlines operate 32% of U.S. scheduled passenger flights and provide the only source of scheduled air service to 64% of the nation’s airports. Regional airlines provide more than 70% of the air service in West Virginia (92%), Alaska (85%), North Dakota (80%), Kansas (75%), Arkansas (75%), Alabama (75%), and Vermont (74%). Regional airlines provide more than half of the air service in Mississippi (68%), South Dakota (68%), Maine (67%), Idaho (67%), Wyoming (66%), New Hampshire (63%), Montana (63%), Wisconsin (53%), Iowa (53%), Virginia (52%), Kentucky (51%), and Indiana (51%).