Building Legacies Through Education: American’s 2025 Foundation Scholars Take Flight
Education has the power to do more than open doors — it can transform families, uplift communities, and lay the foundation for generational progress. Few stories embody this truth more powerfully than that of Skylar Yoder, whose academic and professional journey was made possible, in part, by the support of the American Airlines Education Foundation.
Skylar, the daughter of Jason Yoder, a dedicated Technical Crew Chief with a 36-year career at American Airlines, received four Foundation scholarships throughout her academic career. Those scholarships helped her earn an Ivy League degree from Cornell University, pursue graduate studies at King’s College London, and launch a global career in cybersecurity — a far cry from the humble beginnings of her grandfather, an Amish wheat farmer who never completed high school and spoke little English.
“Being awarded four Education Foundation scholarships was an important step in helping our family make higher education attainable,” said Jason. “More than that, it inspired Skylar to reach her full potential. It gave her the confidence to move halfway around the country for her undergraduate degree and then halfway around the globe to pursue a graduate education and career.”
Skylar’s story, though remarkable, is not unique within the community of American Airlines Education Foundation scholars. Over the years, the Foundation has empowered thousands of students — many of them first in their families to attend college — to achieve academic excellence, overcome financial barriers, and pursue bold ambitions across a wide spectrum of careers.
A Legacy of Opportunity
In 2025, the American Airlines Education Foundation continues this legacy by awarding nearly $1 million in scholarships to 364 exceptional students around the globe. These scholarships support full-time undergraduate students attending accredited colleges, universities, or vocational programs, both in the U.S. and internationally.
Of the 2025 recipients, 90 students are first-generation college students — individuals forging a new path not only for themselves, but also for their families and communities. These scholars represent the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators who are shaping a brighter future with the help of a strong support system behind them.
“Our purpose is to care for people on life’s journey,” said Julie Rath, American’s Senior Vice President of Global Airports, Contact Centers and Inflight Dining Operations, and a board member of the Education Foundation. “That includes helping our team members and their families reach their full potential. We’re creating pathways not only to education, but to opportunity that spans generations.”
Global Reach, Personal Impact
This year’s scholarship recipients come from a diverse and global pool, representing eight countries: the United States, Belize, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, New Zealand, and Peru. The wide geographic reach of the Foundation underscores American’s commitment to inclusivity and its recognition that talent, ambition, and promise know no borders.
Each student received a $2,500 scholarship toward tuition and academic expenses. In a meaningful show of additional support, first-generation college students received an extra $1,000, recognizing the unique challenges and resilience required to navigate the college experience without the guidance of family members who have gone before them.
To qualify, students had to demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a commitment to community service. With over 1,200 applicants vying for a spot in this highly competitive program, the selected scholars represent an inspiring group of high achievers poised to make a meaningful difference in the world.
More Than a Scholarship: A Launchpad for the Future
Beyond the financial support, the Education Foundation serves as a catalyst for self-belief, ambition, and lifelong learning. For many recipients, the scholarship represents more than a check — it’s a vote of confidence from a company that sees their potential and is willing to invest in their dreams.
One of the defining characteristics of the Foundation’s scholarship recipients is their drive to give back. Many are involved in local volunteer work, environmental initiatives, student leadership, and service projects. This ethos of service reflects American’s broader values and reinforces the idea that education is not only a personal achievement, but a social responsibility.
“Receiving the scholarship gave me a sense of pride and motivation,” said one 2025 scholar from Jamaica. “It reminded me that others believe in me and that I’m part of a larger family that wants to see me succeed.”
From First-Gen to Trailblazer
For first-generation students like Skylar, who once navigated the complexities of higher education without a family roadmap, the scholarship can be life-changing. It provides not only critical funding but also emotional validation — an acknowledgment that their journey matters and their hard work is seen.
“These students are trailblazers,” said one Foundation board member. “They are changing the course of their families’ futures. Supporting them isn’t just about one year or one degree — it’s about unlocking the potential that ripples across generations.”
Skylar Yoder’s trajectory is proof of that ripple effect. With roots in a family that once harvested wheat in Amish farmlands, her path now spans global cities, multinational corporations, and high-stakes work in cybersecurity — a powerful testament to the doors that education and opportunity can open when paired with vision and support.
A Century of Service, A Future of Possibility
As American Airlines celebrates over 100 years of service, the Education Foundation stands as a symbol of the company’s enduring commitment to its people. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships, touching the lives of employees’ children around the globe.
While aviation is American’s business, empowering people is its purpose — and that mission is embodied in the work of the Education Foundation.
“Education has always been one of the most powerful tools we have to create lasting change,” said Rath. “We’re proud to support students who are not only pursuing academic goals, but also embody the values of curiosity, courage, and compassion that American holds dear.”
As the 2025 scholarship recipients begin or continue their college journeys, they do so with more than financial aid — they carry with them the backing of a company deeply invested in their success, and the legacy of thousands of scholars who came before them.
Whether they go on to become doctors, engineers, artists, teachers, or entrepreneurs, these young leaders are equipped not only with resources, but also with the belief that they are capable of achieving greatness.
Skylar Yoder’s story reminds us what is possible when that belief takes root.
And as the American Airlines Education Foundation welcomes a new class of scholars, it also reaffirms a timeless truth: when we invest in education, we invest in the future.