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Have You Considered Volunteering With the ISTAT Foundation?

As the year gets underway, many professionals are looking ahead and refining their annual goals. If these goals include greater involvement in the aviation industry and giving back in meaningful ways, opportunities with the ISTAT Foundation are abundant. Now in its 31st year, the ISTAT Foundation provides members with a range of opportunities to contribute, build connections and engage with peers from around the industry.

The Foundation’s work centers on several key programs, including scholarships, humanitarian and educational grants, mentorships and internships. These initiatives are driven by the dedication of the Foundation’s officers, Board of Trustees and volunteers, with opportunities open to all ISTAT members.

“Our committees offer a wide range of service opportunities, and volunteers can choose to participate based on interest, skills, experience and availability,” says Kristen Chmielewski, chair of the ISTAT Foundation Board of Trustees. “The key is that there is a lot of flexibility, and any support is welcome.”

Here are just a few of the many ways to get involved:

Serve as a Mentor or Sponsor an Internship

Volunteers can draw on their industry experience to connect with students and young professionals, offering insights, guidance and career mentorship. The ISTAT Foundation invites top-performing students from its university network to attend ISTAT conferences in their region, where they are paired with volunteers through the ISTAT Mentorship Committee based on shared interests and areas of expertise.

Participation varies by event, but last year the Foundation facilitated 26 mentorship matches across its university network. Members interested in participating can be paired with a mentee aligned with their background and experience.

“Serving as a mentor with the ISTAT Foundation is incredibly rewarding because mentors can see firsthand how practical guidance — on resumes, interviews and career decisions — translates into real opportunities for students entering aviation,” says Jason Wayne, vice president of portfolio and leasing at Automatic. “Helping build that bridge from academic interest to meaningful industry placement is why this program truly matters.”

Organizations can also partner with the ISTAT Foundation to develop internship opportunities or connect existing programs with the Foundation’s university network. This is another meaningful way to engage with emerging talent and support the next generation of industry professionals.

“Volunteering with the ISTAT Foundation is a truly rewarding way to give back to an industry that has shaped my career,” says Joey Johnsen, ISTAT Foundation trustee, chair of the Internship and Mentorship Committee, and CEO of Zeevo Group LLC and Lease Logic Inc. “Through the Internship and Mentorship Committee, and now as its chair, I’ve seen how thoughtful mentorship and intentional connections meaningfully change a student’s path. By providing avenues for experienced aviation finance professionals to connect with first-time ISTAT attendees, we invest in the future of commercial aviation.”

Steward Valuable Scholarship Funds to Deserving Students

Scholarships have been central to the ISTAT Foundation’s mission since its inception. To date, the Foundation has invested more than US$6.2 million in scholarships and educational programs, supporting more than 1,000 students with a passion for aviation worldwide.

Members can get involved by joining the Scholarships Committee, which helps oversee program operations and guide how funds are awarded to students. Awards are primarily based on academic performance, with additional support directed toward specific areas such as aviation and finance, as well as underrepresented regions and partner universities through dedicated funding.

“Scholarships are a significant part of the Foundation’s educational giving and the very spirit of our mission: to expand access, inspire future leaders and strengthen the global aviation community,” Chmielewski says. “For more than three decades, the ISTAT Foundation has sought to empower the next generation of aviation professionals and partnerships like this amplify our ability to open doors for students who will shape the industry’s future.”

Become an Ambassador

The Ambassador Program connects ISTAT members with aviation-focused universities around the world, helping build relationships and support students through the Foundation’s scholarships, internships, educational grants and ISTAT University programs.

Members with existing university connections—or an interest in developing new ones—can serve as ambassadors and play a direct role in strengthening the Foundation’s global network. View the ISTAT University Network List to learn more.

Spread the Word Through the Promotion and Communications Committee

Help promote the ISTAT Foundation’s activities and opportunities through social media, articles, press releases and other communications channels. Committee members gain valuable insight into the Foundation’s initiatives while helping expand awareness across the industry.

“Working together with the committee and communications staff to share and engage with the aviation community is an enjoyable way to support the foundation, build connections and work collaboratively with industry peers,” says Victoria Ricks, member of the Promotion and Communications Committee and director at AELF. “Finding creative ways to reach our audience throughout the year is a rewarding experience that creates a different challenge outside of my usual professional work.”

Raise Critical Funds Through the Development Committee or Get Involved in Our Fundraising Events

Volunteering with the Development Committee is a direct way to support the Foundation’s mission. The committee focuses on securing funding from corporate partners, member companies and individual donors to sustain and grow its programs. This work relies on strong industry support, which continues to play a vital role in advancing the Foundation’s impact.

The Foundation also hosts a range of fundraising events each year, including the Dublin Golf event, South Florida Golf event, Chicago Golf event and pickleball at ISTAT Americas. These events offer opportunities to connect with industry peers while raising funds for the Foundation’s work.

Members interested in getting involved can support event planning and organization, as well as help engage their networks to secure sponsorships and contributions.

Support Humanitarian and Educational Work in Aviation With the Grants Committee

The ISTAT Foundation Grants Program supports organizations using aviation to make a positive impact around the world. Through two primary initiatives — Humanitarian Aid Grants and Education Grants — the Foundation funds efforts that address urgent needs while also investing in aviation’s future through education and workforce development.

“The ability of the humanitarian grants to positively affect the worthy charities to whom we donate really shows how aviation is a force for good. It is a pleasure to serve on the committee and help those in need with the generosity of the board,” said Michael Rurik Halaby, managing director and head of aviation advisory at MUFG Bank Ltd.

Humanitarian Aid Grants support organizations that leverage aviation to deliver critical assistance during times of crisis and to communities in need, including emergency response, medical aid, disaster relief and essential services in underserved regions.

Education Grants support aviation-focused initiatives that inspire, educate and prepare the next generation of aviation professionals, with an emphasis on access, inclusion and long-term industry impact.

“The ISTAT Foundation Humanitarian Aid Grants support some amazing nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) around the world and is an incredible showcase for the power of aviation to help solve serious problems. Plus, you get to meet some cool people,” said Paul O'Driscoll, Humanitarian Committee chair and vice president of strategic consulting at MBA Aviation.

If you are interested in learning more about ways to get involved with the ISTAT Foundation as a volunteer, fill out this form.

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