FRANCESCA NORRIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

In memory of Francesca Norris, who was a dedicated and respected flight instructor, ISA+21 awards two scholarships each year to aspiring female airline pilots.  Even though Francesca’s dream of becoming an airline pilot was not realized, this scholarship will advance many women on a path to reach that dream.  The scholarships are for advanced flight instructor training programs and will assist women pilots in a career that Francesca loved.  Since 2019, ISA+21 has awarded over $55,000 to nine women in honor or Francesca Norris.

Scholarship Prerequisites:

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

  • Hold an FAA Commercial Pilots License or equivalent
  • In pursuit of a career as an airline pilot
  • Hold a current first class medical certificate

Conditions:

  • Only one Francesca Norris Memorial Scholarship Award is allowed in a lifetime
  • Applicants may apply for both the FNMS & ISA+21 Financial Scholarship in a given year
  • Applicants may apply as many times as they wish
  • Training will be conducted at US Aviation Academy or approved flight school
  • Funds will be paid directly to the approved training organization
  • The winner is responsible for travel, housing, and personal expenses during training
  • Open to female applicants, as indicated on their pilot certificate

Process:

  • Submit required documents by emailing scholarship@isa21.org
  • All applications will be assessed by the Scholarship Committee for eligibility
  • Scholarship entries are due November 1st of each year
  • The scholarship winner is announced in March of each year

Stephanie R.
Washington

"It was in 2020 at the Women in Aviation Conference when I heard of this scholarship. It was an honor to witness the announcement of this scholarship because of how much Francesca was adored as a person and flight instructor. I want to keep pushing the boundaries of my knowledge and skills to help inspire, support, and advocate other women in their goals to become airline pilots. It is a true honor to receive this scholarship in Francesca's name and carry her memory with it.

Hayley K.
Connecticut

"I had the same experience as Francesca and fell in love with airplanes early in my life. At age fourteen, I started flight lessons, and my vision from that point on was full steam ahead on an aviation career. Thank you, ISA+21, a million times over for the Francesca Norris Memorial Fund as we continue her legacy through passion for flying, zest for life, internal tenacity, leadership ability, and solid work ethic to become successful commercial pilots."

Kristy Y.
Panama

"My mom inspired me to apply for an aviation scholarship here in Panama. Her unexpected death just weeks into my training led me to believe in that. There were moments that I almost threw in the towel – what was the point if she was no longer here to celebrate my accomplishments? I eventually realized that the best thing I could do for her and for myself was to continue my studies and to do my very best to achieve my new dream."

Amanda N.
Wisconsin

"After working as a regional flight attendant for a year, I decided that I wanted to become an airline pilot. I believe in the concept of "paying it forward" and hope to contribute in the future to mentoring programs and scholarship funds in the 99s and WAI. My dream is to transition from the cabin to the flight deck".

Our 2024 Recipients

In 2024, ISA+21 continued to award Francesca Norris Memorial Scholarships.  Four (4) deserving recipients were awarded $5,000 each in continuance of their flight training.

Are you next? 

ISA+21 awards the innaugural
Francesca Norris Memorial Scholarships
at the 2020 WAI Conference

Thank you to our all of our donors who continue to make this award possible!