American Airlines Announces Third Round of Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship Recipients
American Airlines has announced the third round of recipients for its prestigious Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship, selecting two of its own employees—flight attendants Sarah Smith and Lubava Zhdanovich—who will each receive $50,000 to support their flight training and advancement toward becoming commercial airline pilots.
The initiative reflects the airline’s long-term commitment to developing internal talent and expanding career pathways within aviation, particularly for employees who aspire to transition from customer service roles into the cockpit.
A Decade-Long Commitment to Developing Future Pilots
The Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship is a $1 million, decade-long program created by American Airlines to support team members pursuing pilot careers through the American Airlines Cadet Academy (AACA). The scholarship is designed to reduce financial barriers associated with flight training—one of the most significant challenges faced by aspiring pilots.
By offering substantial financial assistance, mentorship opportunities, and access to structured training pathways, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of pilots who already understand American Airlines’ operational culture and customer-focused values.
The scholarship honors Elise Eberwein, former Executive Vice President of People and Global Engagement at American Airlines, who retired in 2022 after 35 years of service. Eberwein was widely recognized for her dedication to employee development, leadership growth, and fostering internal career mobility across the organization.
Rigorous Selection Process Ensures High-Caliber Candidates
Candidates for the scholarship undergo a highly competitive and multi-stage selection process. Applicants must submit a detailed written application outlining their aviation goals, career aspirations, and financial needs. This is followed by multiple letters of recommendation that provide insight into the candidate’s work ethic, character, and leadership potential.
The process culminates in an intensive, full-day in-person panel interview conducted by current American Airlines pilots and senior leadership representatives. This stage evaluates not only technical aptitude and aviation knowledge but also interpersonal skills, determination, and alignment with the airline’s values.
According to the program’s founders and leadership panel, the scholarship is designed to identify individuals who demonstrate strong potential not only to succeed in flight training but also to thrive in the demanding environment of commercial aviation.
Elise Eberwein’s Enduring Influence on Employee Development
Reflecting on the announcement, Elise Eberwein expressed pride in the new recipients and the continued success of the scholarship initiative established in her name.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Sarah and Lubava, two candidates who are incredibly well-positioned for flight school,” Eberwein said. “They show strong qualities of perseverance, tenacity and passion—skills necessary to succeed in the Cadet Academy’s training and, ultimately, as an American Airlines pilot.”
Her comments highlight the core philosophy behind the scholarship: recognizing internal talent and empowering employees to pursue ambitious career transitions within the aviation industry.
Sarah Smith: Turning a Lifelong Dream Into Reality
Sarah Smith’s journey into aviation began in childhood, inspired by watching aircraft at Bowling Green University’s flight school. Despite her early fascination with aviation, she initially pursued a different path and joined American Airlines as a flight attendant in 2020. However, her long-term aspiration to become a pilot remained central to her personal and professional goals.
Determined to take concrete steps toward that dream, Smith independently enrolled in flight training while balancing a demanding work schedule. At times, she trained up to 20 hours per week while working as many as 70 hours per month as a flight attendant. Financial constraints forced her to pause her training intermittently, but she remained committed to continuing whenever possible.
To support her education, Smith also took on additional responsibilities at her flight school, including aircraft cleaning and hangar support work. These efforts allowed her to offset training costs and remain actively engaged in the aviation environment.
Her perseverance paid off in October 2025 when she earned her private pilot license from Buckeye Flight Academy in Toledo, Ohio. Even while pursuing flight training, Smith remained deeply involved in her community. She volunteered with the Ohio chapter of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization supporting women pilots, and continued to lead her nonprofit initiative, “Look Good Feel Good,” which provides haircuts and personal care services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Toledo.
Smith is currently enrolled in advanced flight training at ATP Flight School in Concord, North Carolina. She views the scholarship as both validation of her efforts and a responsibility to give back to the aviation community.
“I will not forget where I came from and will do everything in my power to make this community more inclusive and accessible to those who do not have access to funds or support,” Smith said.
Lubava Zhdanovich: From International Beginnings to Aviation Aspirations
Lubava Zhdanovich’s path to aviation began outside the United States. Originally from Russia, she first became interested in aviation at the age of 16 when she took her first flight and later worked as an intern in airport security at Moscow’s airport system. This early exposure allowed her to gain insight into multiple aspects of aviation operations, although she initially lacked a clear understanding of career pathways for pilots.
Zhdanovich later moved to the United States at the age of 18, independently and with limited English proficiency. Despite these challenges, she remained determined to pursue a career in aviation, inspired in part by her grandfather’s influence and encouragement.
To support herself while adjusting to a new country, she worked in various service industry roles. These experiences not only helped her improve her English skills but also strengthened her appreciation for customer service and human interaction—qualities that would later become central to her role at American Airlines.
She joined the airline as a flight attendant in 2022, where she quickly made her ambitions clear to colleagues. During her training, she confidently stated her long-term goal: “I will be a pilot one day.”
Zhdanovich achieved her first flight experience in 2023, and by mid-2025 she had formally begun flight training using savings accumulated during her employment as a flight attendant. Her progress has been steady and intentional, reflecting both discipline and long-term commitment.
She is also a member of Women in Aviation International, an organization that supports women pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. In the coming weeks, she is set to begin training at Infinity Flight Group in Fort Pierce, Florida, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward becoming a commercial pilot.
For Zhdanovich, the scholarship represents a transformative opportunity. She described it as “life-changing,” underscoring the importance of financial support in accelerating her training and reducing barriers to entry in the aviation field.
Strengthening American Airlines’ Pilot Pipeline
The Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship is part of American Airlines’ broader strategy to strengthen its internal pilot pipeline and address long-term workforce needs in the aviation industry. By identifying high-potential employees early and supporting them through structured training programs, the airline aims to build a more sustainable and diverse pool of future pilots.
The program also reinforces the value of internal career mobility, encouraging employees in non-flying roles to pursue advancement opportunities within the organization. This approach helps the airline retain talent while investing in long-term workforce development.
A Legacy of Opportunity and Growth
Since its inception, the scholarship has highlighted the importance of mentorship, financial assistance, and structured career pathways in aviation. Each cohort of recipients demonstrates the diverse backgrounds and experiences that contribute to the airline’s culture and operational strength.
American Airlines has emphasized that applications for the next round of scholarships will open in late 2026, continuing the program’s mission of supporting employees who aspire to become professional pilots.
As Sarah Smith and Lubava Zhdanovich begin the next phase of their training journeys, their stories reflect a shared theme: persistence, resilience, and a deep passion for aviation. Through the Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship, American Airlines continues to transform those aspirations into achievable career paths.
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