The skies are the limit for two determined American Airlines flight attendants, Kele Lowery and Courtney Rumbaugh, who have been awarded the coveted Elise Eberwein American Airlines Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship, now in its second year, will provide each recipient with $50,000 to fuel their transition from the cabin to the flight deck.
The scholarship program is a tribute to the impactful legacy of Elise Eberwein, a former Executive Vice President at American Airlines. It specifically aims to support dedicated and driven American Airlines team members, particularly those facing financial hurdles, in realizing their long-held dreams of becoming pilots.
Kele Lowery, a flight attendant based at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), hails from the small town of Blaine, Tennessee. For Kele, this scholarship represents more than just a personal achievement; it's a chance to shatter perceived limitations. "I want to inspire little girls in small towns where there’s not much professional opportunity," she shared. "I’m proof that no matter where you come from, you can accomplish your wildest dreams with bravery and tenacity." Kele's passion for aviation was ignited through her close interactions with pilots during flights, leading her to actively seek opportunities to sit in the flight deck during breaks. "What started as fascination quickly turned into a need for more knowledge. The more I learned, the more I knew this was the career path for me."
Courtney Rumbaugh, a Miami International Airport (MIA)-based flight attendant, has a deep-rooted connection to aviation, growing up near the Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. Courtney had even begun flight training before becoming a flight attendant but had to put her aspirations on hold due to financial constraints. "Becoming a flight attendant was a strategic move — I wanted to immerse myself in the industry and learn from those already at the controls," Courtney explained. "It reinforced my desire to be a pilot and provided valuable insights into the airline world." With the scholarship now secured, Courtney is eager to bring her unique understanding of cabin operations to the flight deck. "I take enormous pride in knowing that when I get to the pilot’s seat, I’ll have a deep understanding of what my cabin crew is dealing with," she said. "This experience will make me a better communicator and leader."
Nathan Gatten, American’s Executive Vice President of American Eagle, Corporate Real Estate and Government Affairs, who oversees the Cadet Academy, emphasized the significance of this transition. "Transitioning from flight attendant to pilot is a significant shift, but Kele and Courtney have demonstrated the passion, discipline and resilience necessary to make this leap. Their commitment to aviation and their ability to lead and inspire others make them outstanding recipients of this scholarship."
The Elise Eberwein American Airlines Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship is a 10-year initiative, granting two $50,000 scholarships each year. American Airlines encourages team members with a strong passion for the responsibilities of the flight deck to consider applying when the next application cycle opens in the fourth quarter of 2025. This program underscores American Airlines' commitment to fostering career growth opportunities within the company and investing in the future of aviation.
