LIFT Scholarship
WATERLOO WELLINGTON FLIGHT CENTRE
LIFT SCHOLARSHIP
The LIFT Scholarship was created by WWFC to assist student pilots. Training to be a pilot is costly, and most aviation students are not eligible for OSAP or other financial support.
In 2026, the scholarship was renamed The Bob Connors LIFT Scholarship in recognition of Bob Connors’ longstanding leadership and contributions to WWFC and the Canadian aviation community. His commitment to student development and excellence in flight training has had a lasting impact on the organization.
Since the launch of the WWFC LIFT scholarship program, $124,000 has been presented to students in financial support.
Applications open: January 6, 2026!
Application Deadline: February 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM (EST).
eligibility
LIFT Scholarships are awarded through detailed review of application, eligibility and relevance of response to prescribed questions. Applications include education and flight training status (i.e. good standing), financial need and an essay or video based on prescribed topics (See Application Form Content).
To qualify to apply for a LIFT Scholarship you must:
• Be a WWFC student in a post-secondary aviation program, including self paced CPL
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be a student in an advanced phase of the program (must hold at least a PPL)
• Be a student who has not previously been awarded a LIFT Scholarship (previous applicants who have applied, but not been awarded can still apply)
Winners will be announced at the WWFC Wings Banquet on March 20, 2026.
LIFT Scholarship FAQs
1. Why "LIFT"?
“LIFT” was chosen because it is a familiar aviation term and a fitting representation of the scholarship’s purpose—to give student pilots a lift in their flight training through both financial support and increased confidence.
2. Why was LIFT established?
The LIFT Scholarship was created to support student pilots facing the high cost of flight training. Many aviation students are not eligible for OSAP or other traditional financial assistance, making additional support essential.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must:
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Be a WWFC student enrolled in a post-secondary aviation program, including self-paced CPL
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Be in an advanced phase of training (must hold at least a PPL)
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Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
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Not have previously received a LIFT Scholarship
(Previous applicants who were not awarded may reapply)
4. What is the application process?
- Review and download the qualifications and scholarship details on the website: wwfc.ca/lift-scholarship.
- Fill out the application form and complete the essay OR video addressing one or more of the following topics:
- What does this scholarship mean to you?
- How would you give back to the aviation community in the future?
- Why is a career in aviation important to you?
- Will your available financial resources allow you to finish your flight training? What support do you have to finish and what steps are you taking to financially support your aviation plans?
- Email application form and essay or video link to lift@wwfc.ca.
5. How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed by the LIFT Scholarship Committee, composed of three WWFC Board members. The committee evaluates all eligible applications, may request in-person interviews, and selects the final recipients. Scholarships are presented at the WWFC Wings Banquet.
6. How will my application be kept confidential?
The scholarship committee is not made up of WWFC staff. Information included in the application form is not shared with WWFC staff and is kept confidential by the committee members. Only applicant names may be shared. WWFC and its associates will never share, sell or rent personal information without advance permission or unless ordered by a court of law. For applicants under the age of 18, we strongly recommend that permission of a parent or guardian is obtained before providing WWFC with any information.
The information provided for the LIFT scholarship application will be used solely for the LIFT scholarship program and any communications WWFC has with applicants will be for information purposes to administer the scholarship award, provide more information and/or thank applicants.
WWFC will take precautions to protect the information provided by all applicants from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, alteration or destruction. All committee members, WWFC employees and associates are made aware of the importance WWFC places on privacy and what they can do to ensure customer information is protected. Each application form will be properly and securely destroyed within three months of the scholarship being awarded to the winning recipients.
7. Are there any restrictions to holding a LIFT award?
LIFT scholarships are only accepted at WWFC for flight training purposes. There are no exceptions. The funds must be used within a year of being awarded. LIFT scholarship funds cannot be redeemed for cash, nor can they be transferred. Should funds not be used within one year of being awarded, they will revert to the scholarship fund.
8. Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Questions can be emailed to lift@wwfc.ca.