Electric plane file photo

A Bullard High School senior has been awarded a unique scholarship opportunity to reach new heights — figuratively and literally.

Sarah McClelland was named the recipient of the award provided by the Ray Aviation Scholarship Program, which provides young aviators up to $11,000 in scholarships to help them achieve their wings.

Overall, the foundation has provided $1.8 million to fund the program, which seeks to improve flight training success rates to over 80% of program participants.

Current industry standards for training success rates currently sit at 20%.

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) introduced the scholarship program in 2019 and has since led to over 350 youth completing their training and receiving their pilot licenses. To date, the program has continued to meet and achieve its expected 80% success rate.

McClelland will undergo her training at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport as part of JB Aeronautics. Designated to support both written and practical applications of flight training, the program and those like it play a critical role in the Ray Aviation Scholarship’s success.

Local EAA Chapters, like Fresno’s EAA Chapter 376 based out of Sierra Sky Park, partner with the scholarship program to identify youth eligible for the scholarship program. The scholarship seeks to further the legacy of lifetime EAA member James C. Ray, who dedicated much of his time in aviation to youth education.

EAA Chapter 376 is one of 900 EAA chapters nationwide. The chapter meets at Sierra Sky Park at noon on the 2nd Saturday of most months. The Young Eagles Program provided by the local chapter provides free flights to youth aged 8-17.