THE TRADITION CONTINUES

Each year the Balloon federation of America offers a number of scholarships. Applications for this year's program will be due soon. The following information is provided from the BFA Youth Program web site.


It is my pleasure on behalf of the Balloon Federation of America Youth Programs to announce that the tradition of awarding scholastic achievement scholarships will be continuing during 2008/2009! The BFA Scholarship Program is proud to provide the opportunity to eligible BFA Hi-Flyers for financial assistance towards educational opportunities in aviation as well as college or trade school.
Three scholarships are available:
The Bill Murtorff Aviation Education Scholarship
Awarded annually. The deadline for applications is July 1, 2009. The scholarship recipient will be announced and funds disbursed during October 2009. The purpose of this scholarship is to assist with the financial support for the BFA Hi-Flyer to attend a Part 141 Flight Training School. Amount of award will not exceed $500.00. *Recipient must currently hold a student pilot certificate and be actively pursuing a private pilot lighter-than-air certificate. Recipient must be a Hi-Flyer with membership current at time of application and award.
The Balloon Federation of America Scholastic Scholarship
Awarded annually. The deadline for applications is July 1, 2009. Scholarship recipient will be announced and funds disbursed during October 2009. The purpose of this scholarship is to assist with the financial support of a BFA Hi-Flyer pursuing an associate or bachelor degree. Amount of award will not exceed $500.00.
Earl MacPherson Memorial Scholarship.
Friends and family of Earl MacPherson, in honor of his committment to our sport, have established the Earl MacPherson Memorial to the BFA Junior Balloonist Scholarship. Earl not only raised his family in our sport but he counseled many of us in the name of safety so it was heartfelt that his should become a name our youth know too. The Earl MacPherson Memorial Scholarship will support young balloon enthusiasts seeking to expand their piloting and academic knowledge by permitting them to attend camps, piloting seminar and ground school opportunities, or college.
Those selected to benefit from the scholarship will be Balloon Federation of America youth program members with current membership in good standing. Acceptable academic achievement will be considered as will involvement with organizations outside of ballooning. Once the scholarship is funded, the application process will begin.
To apply:
 Submit a grade report from the current school year
 Document involvement in school or civic activities outside of ballooning
 Write an essay explaining why you are a good candidate to receive the Bill Murtorff Scholastic Scholarship.
 Document any extenuating circumstances you feel the committee should consider when evaluating your application.
 Include number of years involved in the junior balloonist/hi-flyer program
 Hold current membership at time of application and award
 Be eligible to attend a college or trade school in 2009 (have graduated or be eligible for graduation, or earned a GED no later than 6/15/09).
You may download the scholarship application form by clicking here or please send requests for an application packet to: Attn: SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
BFA OFFICE P.O. Box 400 Indianola, IA 50125 LET YOUR DREAMS CARRY YOU TO NEW HEIGHTS!
Shelley Caraway BFA Youth Program Chair 9/23/08