InclusiveSkies Foundation: Advancing Law Students and Young Legal Professionals in Aviation Law

Aero Law Center is proud to support InclusiveSkies Foundation.

InclusiveSkies Foundation’s mission is to pave the skyways of aviation law with diversity and inclusivity. InclusiveSkies is committed to championing and fostering the advancement of law students and young legal professionals within the aviation legal sphere. By providing robust mentorship programs, educational initiatives, and networking opportunities, we aim to empower aspiring female professionals, offering them a supportive platform to thrive and succeed in the intricate field of aviation law. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and outreach, we seek to challenge existing norms, break barriers, and cultivate an inclusive environment where diverse voices are not just heard but celebrated, contributing to a richer, more representative landscape in aviation law.

By addressing systemic disparities, offering tailored resources, and cultivating a community of support, InclusiveSkies Foundation endeavors to reshape the narrative of aviation law. InclusiveSkies aims to forge pathways for law students and young legal professionals, ensuring equitable access to opportunities, resources, and mentorship networks. With an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, InclusiveSkies envisions a future where the aviation legal realm reflects the vibrant diversity of our global society, fostering innovation, excellence, and groundbreaking contributions from every corner of the sky. InclusiveSkies Foundation’s board of directors is majority run by minority women in aviation law.

As part of its commitment and in furtherance of its mission, InclusiveSkies Foundation proudly offers the Bessie Coleman Foundation to support aspiring legal professionals who are committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within the aviation law field. The Bessie Coleman Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to law students and recent graduates who have demonstrated a passion for aviation law.

The Bessie Coleman Scholarship offers:

• Expenses for a reputable bar preparation course or other related bar preparation expenses of up to $2,500
• In addition to being recognized as the scholar recipient, winners will also have the opportunity to attend a Lawyer-Pilot Bar Association Conference with all travel and accommodation expenses paid
• Recipients of the scholarship will be awarded a one-year student membership to the Lawyer-Pilot Bar Association

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Bessie Coleman Scholarship, the InclusiveSkies Foundation has the following eligibility criteria:

• Applicants must demonstrate an interest and dedication to pursuing a legal career in aviation law, backed up by evidence in internships, extracurricular activities, research, and coursework
• Must either be a current legal student enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school or a recent graduate from within the past year preparing to take the bar exam
• The scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to law students who have demonstrated an interest in pushing for diversity and inclusion in the aviation law field. We ask that all applicants be willing to show their commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Preference will be given to applicants with a dire financial need of assistance
• We ask that all applicants be of good academic standing, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent

Application

To apply, you must provide a personal statement between 500 and 1,000 words that discusses your legal career ambitions in aviation law and your dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion in this practice area. Go on to explain how being awarded the Bessie Coleman Scholarship would impact your ability to take the bar exam.

We also ask for a detailed resume highlighting your educational background, leadership or volunteer roles, and any relevant experience that would make you the ideal candidate for the scholarship. Additionally, please provide a current unofficial transcript from your law school, proof of registration or intent to register for the next scheduled bar exam, and a letter of recommendation from a professor, legal professional, or mentor.

Applicants will be judged based on their dedication to aviation law and passion for advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal field. Other attributes like leadership skills, academic performance, and the individual’s financial need for support and assistance will also be considered. Some finalists may be required to take a short virtual interview with the scholarship committee.

The Scholarship will be awarded by the end of January each year, ahead of the bar exam period. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications no late than January 15.

Please submit your application and all relevant materials to ragland@aerolawcenter.com.

The Bessie Coleman Scholarship recipients are expected to serve as ambassadors for the InclusiveSkies Foundation and engage in one or more outreach activities within a year of receiving the scholarship. Outreach activities may include writing articles for the InclusiveSkies Foundation, speaking at an event, or serving in a mentorship role.

We look forward to all applications and wish you the best of luck!