Workforce Development
Image Courtesy of Impact Action Sports Photography
ORBAA core leadership has been involved with educational initiatives in partnership with Ohio’s Collegiate Aviation programs since 2008. From the beginning, a major focus of this outreach was to promote understanding and knowledge about the Business Aviation industry that was not a part of the normal collegiate curricula.
Attracting and retaining new talent to our industry is vital to our businesses and economy. There is increasing competition among aviation segments for the limited numbers of collegiate aviation graduates, and Business Aviation needs to have a supporting role in attracting and developing professionals for our industry.
ORBAA will continue attract students to Business Aviation and educate future developing professionals about our industry. Robust and active partnerships through the work of dedicated ORBAA members will ensure that students receive support to inspire and encourage them, while enhancing their knowledge about our industry. The dedication to Workforce Development is a very effective way for ORBAA to reach out, give back, and attract our workforce of tomorrow.
ORBAA is committed to promoting Ohio’s Business Aviation industry through outreach to future professionals through:
- Classroom presentations in partnership with collegiate curriculums
- Onsite visits to Business Aviation operations
- ORBAA Scholarships presented annually to collegiate aviation students
- Mentoring and development support of students moving into industry
- Promoting and developing Internship experiential learning opportunities to Ohio’s collegiate aviation students
- Providing resources to support development opportunities for ORBAA members through OBATS, NBAA seminars, and other offerings
$7,500 ORBAA Scholarship & Other Opportunities
The 2026 ORBAA Scholarship window will open in Q1 2026
Cabin Attendant Scholarship Applications Open Now!
ORBAA Scholarship Recipient History
2025: Brendan Kleman - Kent State University: ATP-CTP Course Award (Courtesy of CAE)
Brendan is a senior at Kent State University, studying aeronautics, and actively pursuing a career as a
pilot in the Kent State flight program. He is working towards becoming a flight instructor, in hopes of inspiring
others to find their love for aviation just as he did. His love for aviation began at a very early age through
attending multiple air shows throughout his upbringing. Over the years, he has developed a greater appreciation
for the industry through networking and creating friendships within the aviation community. Brendan is looking
forward to a gratifying career in aviation.
2025: Bryan Lawrence - Columbus State Community College: Aviation Maintenance Training Award
(Courtesy of CAE)
Bryan discovered his passion for aviation at a young age, inspired by time spent with his dad.
Originally from Worthington, Ohio, he first dreamed of becoming a pilot but eventually found his true calling in
aircraft maintenance. He is currently working toward his Airframe and Powerplant certificate at Columbus State
Community College, with plans for a future in business aviation.
2025: Summer Thomas - The Ohio State University: Citation SIC Type Rating Award (Courtesy of FSI)
Summer graduated from The Ohio State University this past May 2025 with a BS in Aviation Engineering.
Outside of school, she is an instrument rated commercial pilot and has done all her training at Griffing Flying
Service in Port Clinton, Ohio where she hopes to work after earning her CFI certificate. Summer’s love of
aviation started from watching the island planes and the Tin Goose fly overhead growing up in the Lake
Erie/Port Clinton area. She dreams of one day flying the islands and supporting Ohio based companies & tourism
through aviation. During her time at OSU, Summer held the position of Alpha Eta Rho Vice President as well as
being on the Alpha Eta Rho national board.
2025: Ellie Harper - The Ohio State University: $7500 Scholarship Award
Ellie is a rising senior at The Ohio State University, studying aviation engineering on the professional pilot track.
While at Ohio State, she has earned her commercial pilot's license with an instrument rating, Aircraft Dispatcher
certification, and will be working towards her CFI this summer and fall! With aspirations of becoming a
professional pilot in the future, she has worked as the Administrative Assistant Intern and Student Ambassador
for the Center for Aviation Studies at Ohio State. With this, she has made valuable connections with industry
leaders through planning Industry Week for students to enjoy and network. After graduating in December, Ellie
plans to stay in Ohio and fly instruct while earning her CFII and CMEL.
2025: Nicole Hobert - Ohio University: $5000 Scholarship Award
Nicole is a student at Ohio University, where she’s majoring in Aviation Flight and minoring in Aviation
Management. She is working toward her Commercial Pilot Certificate and has maintained a 3.91 GPA. Nicole
also works as a Supplemental Instructor for Private Pilot Ground School. Outside of aviation, she loves to draw,
read, and play chess. Nicole’s goal is to pursue a career in business aviation and continue growing both as a pilot
and as a mentor for future aviators.
2025: Marc Otieno - Kent State University: $5000 Scholarship Award
Marc’s passion for aviation began at a young age, and he has aspired to become a pilot ever since. As the son of
first-generation immigrants, he was raised with a strong work ethic and a deep belief in pursuing his dreams.
Currently attending Kent State University, Marc aims to graduate and work as a flight instructor to build flight
hours toward a professional piloting career. Through his involvement with groups such as the Organization of
Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Marc has had
the opportunity to travel across Ohio and the country, connecting with professionals and gaining valuable
insights into the aviation industry. These experiences have strengthened his commitment to becoming a leader
in the field and supporting others in the industry.
2024: Nathan Schmidt, The Ohio State University
2024: Andrea Millenbaugh, Bowling Green State University
2024: Hafid Yabarow, Columbus State Community College
2024: Michael Dunson, Columbus State Community College
2024: Bitanya Gudeta, Ohio State University
2024: Mia Holt, Cincinnati State Technical College
2023: Noah Patten, Ohio State University
2023: Gabriel Christenson, University of Cincinnati – Clermont College
2023: Lukas Kleinfeldt, Bowling Green
2022: Jon Sadler, University of Cincinnati
2022: Cody Fleming, Sinclair College
2021: Jordan Richheimer, Kent State
2021: Audrey Rice, Bowling Green State University
2020: Jack Margletta, Ohio University
2020: Nick Sanford, Bowling Green State University
2019: Andrew Callendar, Columbus State Community College
2019: Grant Losey, Ohio University
2018: Bridget Reese, PIA
2018: Ethan Beagle, Bowling Green State University
2017: Marcus Collier, The Ohio State University
2017: Grant Smith, Columbus State Community College
2016: Harley Bloecher, The Ohio State University
2016: Nathan Fallrath, Columbus State University
2015: Yusuf Haji, Columbus State University
2015: Alexander Wukovits, Kent State University
2014: Carissa Marion, Kent State University
2013: Brian Finley, Bowling Green State University