The Academy Scholarships
Robert Abbott ( a Lawyer, Civil Rights Advocate and Owner of The Chicago Defender), along with Jesse Binga, provided the funding which enabled Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman, to learn the French language, travel to France, complete Flight Training and make history as the 1st African American Woman to become a Licensed Pilot.
Robert Abbott Scholarship Fund
The Robert Abbot Scholarship Fund (RASF) is a comprehensive scholarship that provides more than just tuition funding. This scholarship is designed to assist qualifying students, by providing them opportunities to matriculate or participate in the varying Academy Programs to include (Bessie’s Leaders of Tomorrow Program, Queen of the Skies Summer Camp, Bessie’s Community Out-reach Program, Fundamentals of Flight Educational Program and Flight Simulation Program). The RASF may cover up to 100% of direct costs (tuition & fees), indirect costs (mandatory learning materials, textbooks, & transportation), while also providing students with internship and mentorship opportunities. The RASF Award ranges from $500.00 to $3,000.00. Awarded Students are required to enroll in the Bessie’s Leaders of Tomorrow Program and volunteer a designated amount of hours in the Community Out-reach Program.
Jesse Binga Scholarship Fund
The Jesse Binga Scholarship Fund (JBSF) is a comprehensive scholarship that provides more than just tuition funding. This scholarship is designed to assist qualifying students seeking to earn an FAA Pilot’s License or Rating. The JBSF may cover up to 100% of direct costs (tuition & fees), indirect costs (mandatory learning materials, textbooks, & transportation), while also providing students with internship and mentorship opportunities. The JBSF Award ranges from $3000.00 to $13,000.00. Awarded Students are required to enroll in the Bessie’s Leaders of Tomorrow Program and volunteer a designated amount of hours in the Community Out-reach Program
Jesse Binga (a Chicago Businessman and Banker Owner), along with Robert Abbott, provided the funding which enabled Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman, to learn the French language, travel to France, complete Flight Training and make history as the 1st African American Woman to become a Licensed Pilot.