The Registry of Aruba (TROA) has established a scholarship for female students wishing to pursue programs in aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus in Florida. The Registry of Aruba Scholarship will award $6,000 annually to incoming freshmen pursuing programs within Embry-Riddle’s College of Aviation.

TROA CEO Alexandria Colindres said the scholarship has been established “as part of our mission to help bridge the gender gap in the aviation industry." Colindres added that "in addition to offering financial support, we aim to mentor the recipient as she initiates her career."

Masa Alkodsi, who entered her first year at the university in August, is the first recipient of the scholarship. “My end goal as a woman in aviation is to inspire young girls to think about a career in not just aviation, but the STEM field in general,” she said.

“This scholarship opportunity generously provided by TROA is encouraging, even for women like me who already attend Embry-Riddle,” added Brittney Porter, a representative of the university’s Women’s Ambassador Program. “Through our Women’s Ambassador Program and other programs, we are making progress, but there is much more to be done.”