ABOUT THE AIR SQUADRON
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Air Squadron is comprised of qualified pilots, aviation and law enforcement minded members with a number of serviceable aircraft. The Squadron supports the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office in aviation and community relations activities as directed by the Sheriff or his delegate.Since 1941, the Sheriff’s Air Squadron has been asked to assist the Sheriff with air patrols, VIP transport and community relations. The Air Squadron supplements department aviation on assets including fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
The Sheriff’s Air Squadron’s Endowment supports community programs with leadership, mentoring and resources intended to provide an opportunity for “at-risk” youth in underserved communities. Kids in these communities face a multitude of barriers at home, school and in public. If we all join together and help these youth, we can achieve a safer and brighter future.
We partner with the Aerospace Museum of California (AMC), the Sheriff’s Office and other groups in creating programs that introduce these youth to the field of aviation, aerospace and other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) related careers.
2023 SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
This scholarship program is focused on youth in the Sacramento Metro area between 17 and 25 years old with an interest in pursuing a career in aviation and community service. The program is designed to actively support, mentor and guide recipients through their journey in the exciting field of aviation and become future leaders in their community. Award Recipients will receive cash grants that will be used for flight training, check rides, exam fees, training materials, aircraft rental or other applicable expenses approved by the Scholarship Committee to further their aviation pursuit.The Scholarship Committee will select the top six applicants to participate in an in-person interview and select two recipients of $2,500 each for the 2023 program.
ELIGIBILITY
- Individuals who will be between 17 and 25 years old on April 10, 2023
- Be able to read, speak, write and understand English
- A US citizen with a current California Driver’s License or US Passport
- Must be able to hold an FAA Medical Certificate appropriate for the desired rating. https://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/medical
- Must currently reside in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, Amador, Sutter or Nevada County
- Applicants under 18 years old as of April 10, 2023, will be required to provide written permission to participate by their parent(s) and/or legal guardian
IMPORTANT DATES
- April 17, 2023 – Completed Applications Due
- April 24, 2023 – Application Review Completed and finalists are contacted
- April 29, 2023 – In-person Interviews Conducted
- May 1, 2023 – Awards are announced
PROGRAM SUPPORT
The SCSAS Scholarship committee is committed to active participation and mentorship for each award recipient. A mentor will be assigned to each recipient to provide regular guidance and support through their training program. This will include regular meetings, progress checks, supplemental knowledge sharing, help navigating career consideration and providing invaluable insight and contacts within the aviation and law enforcement community.WHAT IS EXPECTED IF YOU ARE SELECTED?
Professionalism and safety is a cornerstone of aviation. As such recipients will be expected to always present themselves as professionals with a serious intent to progress their aviation career and where possible to support interest in aviation and law enforcement.Applicants pursuing flight training are expected to:
- Private Pilot License
- Solo in 90 days of starting training
- FAA Written Exam Passed within 180 Days
- FAA Flight Check by end of 12th month
- Instrument Rating
- FAA Written Exam Passed within 180 days
- FAA Flight Check by end of 9th month
- Commercial Pilot License
- FAA Written Exam Passed in 90 Days of starting training
- FAA Flight Check by end of 9th month
Additionally, all recipients can be expected to participate in the following:
- Participate in regular mentorship meetings and submit a “progress report” prior to each meeting
- Monthly meetings with the SCSAS to present their current progress
- Participate in community events or meetings to further the SCSAS goals of community outreach and volunteerism
- Participate in Endowment Fundraising Activities
- Participate in SCSAS Annual Banquet
- Agreement that photographs, video, statements, progress notes, results, application answers, interview answers, quotes and other materials associated with the recipient’s participation in the program can be used to promote fundraising for the SCSAS Scholarship Program
Recipients and/or their legal guardians must sign an agreement to hold harmless the SCSAS Organization, Members, Board of Directors and the Scholarship Committee
HOW DOES THE FUNDING PROCESS WORK?
- Formal training plan must be approved by the recipient’s mentor and the SCSAS Scholarship Committee
- Funds may be used for ground school, flight training, aircraft rental fees, FAA examiner fees, EFB, charts or other supplies directly related to flight training
- Expenses are discussed with and presented to the mentor before reimbursement. Receipts or invoices will be submitted by the mentor to the SCSAS Scholarship Committee monthly and payments made to the recipient directly
- Funds are available until the last day of the 12th month following the award
- Awards are not transferable to other individuals
- All decisions regarding the scholarship are final