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 & Opportunities
The 2026 ORBAA Scholarship window will open in Q1 2026
ORBAA Scholarship Recipient History
2024: Nathan Schmidt, The Ohio State University (SIC Type Rating Award)
Nathan’s passion for corporate aviation began with a tour of a Global 6000 and was reinforced through high school as he earned his private pilot license. He recently graduated from Ohio State University and holds CMEL, CFI, CFII, and Aircraft Dispatcher certifications. During his studies, he gained valuable experience through an internship with NetJets International Trip Planning, served as a student board member of the Massachusetts Business Aviation Association, and held the position of Vice President of Alpha Eta Rho (AHP). This year, Nathan organized the first Ohio State Business Aviation Day where students could learn more about the industry. Following graduation, Nathan will pass on this passion by working as a flight instructor in New England.
2024: Andrea Millenbaugh, Bowling Green State University (ATP-CTP Course Award)
Andrea is a rising senior at BGSU studying Aviation: Flight Technologies and Operations with a management minor in Airport Systems and Operations. She works as line service at Wood County Regional Airport in Bowling Green while pursuing a career as a flight instructor and hopefully a corporate pilot one day.
2024: Hafid Yabarow, Columbus State Community College ($5000 Scholarship Award)
Hafid Yabarow fell in love with aviation as a child, inspired by frequent travels and the resilience of his parents who instilled in him the importance of education and perseverance. This led him to excel in the Aviation Maintenance Program at Columbus State and become an aviation peer tutor.
Now, Hafid is set to transfer to Franklin University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management while working on his A&P. With plans to pursue an MBA as well as his IA, he aims to merge his aviation expertise with business acumen, aspiring to be a leader in the aviation industry. His journey is a testament to overcoming challenges and supporting his community.
2024: Michael Dunson, Columbus State Community College ($2000 Scholarship Award)
Mike Dunson inherited his passion for aviation from his Dad. After spending several years as a Police Officer, he decided to turn that passion into a career. Mike is currently earning his Aviation Maintenance Technology degree from Columbus State Community College and is expected to graduate in December 2025.
2024: Bitanya Gudeta, Ohio State University ($1000 Scholarship Award)
Bitanya Gudeta, is a junior at Ohio State University, majoring in aviation with the aspiration of becoming an airline pilot. Her passion for flying has been a driving force in her life for many years. She began this journey in high school by attending a career-tech school where she was enrolled in the aviation program. This early exposure solidified her desire to pursue a career in aviation. Throughout her time at Ohio State, she has worked as a fueler at the OSU FBO, which has given her invaluable hands-on experience and allowed her to connect with various professionals in the aviation industry. Additionally, she has earned her private pilot license, marking a significant milestone in her journey to becoming a professional pilot.
2024: Mia Holt, Cincinnati State Technical College ($1000 Scholarship Award)
Mia Holt is attending Cincinnati State Technical College, where she will be receiving her degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology as well as her Airframe & Powerplant license. Her interest in aviation started when she was 15 on her first flight to Key West, Florida. After exploring career options she knew that being an Aircraft Mechanic would be a great fit. In December of 2024, she will be finishing her degree and while juggling motherhood and full time academics. Through this, she has maintained a 3.87 GPA. Her ultimate goal is to encourage young women to explore Aviation with a focus on Business Aviation and Maintenance.
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