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Matching-Funds Effort for Harrison Ford EAA Scholarship Gets Underway
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. -- (Oct. 8, 2009) -- By all accounts, Sept. 29 was a huge day for the EAA Young Eagles Program: Actor, pilot, and EAA member Harrison Ford stepped down after serving five years as the program's chairman, and announced at Santa Monica, Calif., that famed US Airways pilots Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles would step into the role. At a special dinner presentation that night, EAA members, the aviation community, and even California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute to Harrison Ford for his service and welcomed the new program co-chairs.
But one brief segment of the evening's activities -- perhaps easily missed amid the big announcements and high-profile appearances -- may leave the most enduring legacy.
Jim and Angela Thompson, longtime EAA members and supporters, spoke from the dais for a matter of only minutes, but their pledge that night will touch the lives of young people for years. They announced their establishment of an endowment to EAA to help fund scholarships in Harrison Ford's name for young people on the path to becoming a pilot.
They explained that the endowment amount would match contributions from other donors up to $100,000, creating a scholarship fund of as much as $200,000.
"As EAA Young Eagles chairman for five years, Harrison Ford invested a big commitment of his time. He made a wonderful contribution to the general aviation community," said Jim Thompson, a pilot for 27 years. "Angela and I would like to say 'thank you' to Harrison for what he has done. This endowment is a way to put a marker down to remember it by."
Beginning next year, EAA will begin applying the dividends from the donations and the Thompsons' matching contribution. These funds could be utilized toward the cost of the FAA written pilot's exam, flight training, attendance at EAA's Air Academy, and other pursuits including college attendance - the purpose is to help youth achieve their dreams of flight at whatever level the need exists. Qualifying youth will have completed an EAA Young Eagles flight experience and the follow-up companion program provided by Sporty's Pilot Shop, the free online Sporty's Complete Pilot Training Course.
"Some of the youth inspired by their EAA Young Eagles experience will want to take their interest in aviation all the way. The Harrison Ford scholarships will help them continue to participate beyond the Sporty's training, with underwriting of training toward a sport pilot or private pilot's license," said Elissa Lines, EAA vice president of development.
