VERO BEACH, Fla., Jan. 15, 2019 — Piper Aircraft, Inc. and its Community Outreach Committee are pleased to announce the availability of two scholarships for the 2019-2020 academic year. Each year, educational scholarships impact the community by providing financial support for students to pursue higher education. The Freedom of Flight Award and the Bill Cluck Memorial Scholarship were created for students at different stages of their educational experience and were designed to help offset the rising cost of higher education.
Piper Freedom of Flight Award
The Freedom of Flight Award is a $1,000 award that is renewable for up to four years. The award is available to a local graduating high school senior with plans to continue their post-secondary education by attending a four-year college or university, community college, or two-year trade or technical school.
Bill Cluck Memorial Scholarship
The Bill Cluck Memorial Scholarship was created in honor of a Piper team member who was committed to mentoring and developing rising engineers and actively promoted his career field. To help continue his legacy, a scholarship was developed in his name. The Bill Cluck Memorial Scholarship is a $5,000 award that will be awarded to a college or university junior or senior enrolled in a four-year degree program within the state of Florida.
Applicants for all scholarships must demonstrate individual excellence in areas such as community service, leadership, sports, music, academics, and other unique characteristics.
“College tuition rates are on the rise and the cost to attend college is becoming increasingly difficult to meet. Higher education isn’t just critical for our children, but it’s also the key to ensuring that employers have access to well-educated job candidates,” said Simon Caldecott, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft, Inc. “This generation of students deserves the same opportunity so many of us have already had… the chance to learn, to explore, and understand what inspires and stimulates them. In the end, the passions and skills they develop through higher education will only serve all of us for years to come.”
Applications for either scholarship may be obtained by emailing community.outreach@piper.com. Completed applications, along with required supporting materials, are due no later than March 29, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. and must be mailed to Piper Aircraft, Inc., c/o Community Outreach Committee, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
About Piper Community Outreach
The Piper Community Outreach Committee consists of ten Piper employees representing various departments throughout the Piper factory in Vero Beach, FL. The Committee is responsible for managing an annual budget that is specifically dedicated to supporting local non-profits and initiatives in and around Indian River County. Since 2011 donations within Indian River County have increased 150% supporting more than thirty different organizations.
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, FL, offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft. The single-engine M-Class series – the M600, M500, and M350 offer businesses and individuals elegant performance and value. The Twin Class Seneca V and Seminole balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in twin-engine aircraft. The Trainer Class Warrior, Archer TX, Archer DX, Arrow, Seminole and Seneca V aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
