ISTAT Jetrader - Winter 2024 - 46

ISTAT FOUNDATION
How the ISTAT Foundation
Invests in Student Success
by Andy La Stella
T
he ISTAT Foundation
was established in
1994 as a way for
ISTAT members to
give back to the
aviation industry
that has offered our
community rewarding and successful
careers. Through supporting individuals
and institutions that advance the
industry, the Foundation plays a key
role in fostering the future of aviation.
Our mission is simple: We support
the future of commercial aviation
through investment in learning and
development and social responsibility,
utilizing funds and resources from the
ISTAT community.
The support comes in the way of
scholarships, grants and purposedesigned
educational programs for
current university students, as well as
a program for those who want to learn
about the economics of aviation during
or after university (ISTAT U, for which
46 * THE OF F I C I AL PUBL I CAT I ON OF ISTAT
ISTAT Scholarships are available). As
part of the educational process, we
manage a mentorship program through
which selected scholarship winners
may attend ISTAT conferences and
be mentored by a senior-level ISTAT
member, and an internship program.
Scholarships are administered
by the Scholarship Committee. The
Foundation's initial effort was to
provide scholarships, and today,
the committee remains the largest
" giving " committee. The committee
works with over 70 colleges and
universities around the world who
nominate students to compete for an
ISTAT Scholarship. To be eligible, a
student must be in the top 25% of their
peer group, indicate financial need, be
committed to the pursuit of an aviation
career and be eager to become part
of the ISTAT family. In addition to
academic performance, applications
are judged on the student's leadership
and extracurricular participation.
Each application is reviewed by the
committee of 11 ISTAT members that
represent the many cultural diversities
within ISTAT. The scholarship funding
is provided by a blend of named
scholarships provided by specific
donors and from an annual ISTAT
stipend provided to the Foundation.
In 2024, the Foundation awarded
44 scholarships with a total value of
over US$450,000. Since 1994, we
have awarded over US$6.2 million
in scholarships.
ISTAT U provides a detailed
curriculum covering many facets of the
aviation finance and leasing industry
and exposes students to real-world
concepts and methodologies developed
by ISTAT subject matter experts and
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
(ERAU) faculty. The ISTAT U curriculum
has been specifically tailored to help
prepare students for internship and
long-term career opportunities in
aviation finance, leasing and aircraft
ISTAT Jetrader - Winter 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ISTAT Jetrader - Winter 2024
