Creating the leaders of tomorrow

Stuart Forster looks at the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) Foundation’s scholarship programme, which helps promote the onboard services industry as a career option…

More than 300 recipients have been presented with scholarships by the IFSA Foundation since its inception in 2000. Over the past 23 years, scholarships totalling more than $1.5 million have been awarded around the world.

Offered worldwide

“We continue to focus on global communication regarding the IFSA scholarship programme,” comments Sandra PineauBoddison, Board President of the IFSA Foundation. “The majority of applicants are US-based, more recently we have received applications from countries including Bangladesh, China, France, Ghana, Korea, Sri Lanka and Türkiye.”

That list of nations is by no means exhaustive. Applications have also been received from candidates in Hong Kong, Japan and Jordan plus several European countries, including Germany, Ireland, Italy and the United Kingdom.

“We work closely with universities that have a degree aligned with the onboard services industry to market the scholarships. The goal is two-fold, to provide financial support to help students fund their education and to market the onboard services industry as a future career option,” added the IFSA Foundation Board President.

Leading institutions

Currently, scholarships are being promoted at institutions including Oxford Brookes University in Oxford, England, and the EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland. Within the USA, the IFSA Foundation has connections with the Culinary Institute of America, Drexel University, Grand Canyon University, University of Georgia and University of Houston in Texas.

The sponsors include major players from within the industry, including Delta Air Lines and Flying Food Group. The Sue Ling Gin Charitable Trust Scholarship is named after the founder of the latter.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to the communities we serve. The IFSA Foundation allows us to do that in a unique way –supporting education and career development specific to our segment of the industry,” explains Michael Henny, Managing Director of Onboard

Service at Delta Air Lines.

“This is an exciting industry and we’re thrilled to see students interested in being the next generation of experts in onboard service. It’s great to be able to help foster that interest and build a pipeline of future talent,” adds Henny of seeing people benefit from Delta’s donation. “I am sure all of us in the industry benefit from supporting the IFSA Foundation.”

Recipients perspectives

“Being named a 2022 recipient of an IFSA Foundation Scholarship has not only assisted in alleviating the staggering costs of pursuing a medical education but it has also helped me continue to defy the odds and chase my dreams.

"It is truly an honour to represent my mother, a flight attendant, as well as the onboard service and healthcare industries as a recipient,” says Victoria Humphrey, who was pleased to be awarded the 2022 Gate Gourmet/ gategroup Scholarship.

“Words cannot even begin to describe how grateful I am to the IFSA Foundation for supporting me and truly believing in the beauty of my dreams,” adds Humphrey, a Dermatology Resident receiving a graduate medical education in the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Training Program.

To anyone considering applying for an IFSA Foundation scholarship, Humphrey offers an unequivocal and upbeat message of approval: “The IFSA Foundation is committed to supporting future leaders across the globe – whatever your dream, just apply, you could be next!"

Sarah Klatt-Walsh says: “I was in a new senior management position at SWISS and felt that I needed additional executive-level education to successfully carry out the role. As I had previously been an IFSA Executive Board Member, I was well aware of the IFSA Foundation and the scholarships it offers.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the J.J. O’Neill Scholarship being offered to international students and decided to apply for it.”

Underwritten by LSG Sky Chefs, the award provided the opportunity for individuals involved in onboard food service and catering to further their education in specified, continuing education programmes.

“It certainly gave my career a boost, as I was able to visit a recognised school and gain relevant education which I could immediately apply within my new role. As a result, my confidence levels also increased and I generally felt more competent and comfortable as a senior leader,” explains Klatt-Walsh, who was the first recipient of the J.J. O’Neill Scholarship and is now the Sustainability Lead at FORMIA.

“It is a great opportunity to help finance your future education. And it can open doors in this amazing inflight industry as well,” she adds, recommending that people who have the chance to apply for an IFSA Foundation scholarship not to hesitate in applying.

For more information about applying for a scholarship or providing funding that will benefit people who are granted scholarships, visit the IFSA Foundation website. ifsa.apex.aero •