Lubava Zhdanovich and Sarah Smith — two flight attendants based at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) — were selected out of thousands of applicants to pursue their dreams of flight.
FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines has announced the latest recipients of the prestigious Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship, marking the third round of awards. This year, the airline has selected two of its own employees, flight attendants Sarah Smith and Lubava Zhdanovich, to receive $50,000 each towards their flight training. This initiative underscores American Airlines’ commitment to fostering internal career growth and providing pathways for team members to achieve their aspirations of becoming pilots.
The Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship is a significant, decade-long program funded with $1 million, designed to support American Airlines employees in their journey to become pilots through the American Airlines Cadet Academy (AACA). The scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with extensive flight training, a common obstacle for aspiring aviators. By providing substantial financial aid, mentorship, and structured training, the program cultivates the next generation of pilots who are already familiar with American Airlines’ operational culture and values.
This esteemed scholarship honors the legacy of Elise Eberwein, the former Executive Vice President of People and Global Engagement at American Airlines. Eberwein, who retired in 2022 after 35 years of service, was a strong advocate for employee development and career advancement. Her dedication to fostering internal mobility and growth opportunities within the company is commemorated through this scholarship, which seeks to empower employees to reach new heights in their careers.
Smith and Zhdanovich, both based at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), were chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants. The selection process is rigorous, involving a detailed written application, multiple letters of recommendation, and an intensive all-day panel interview with current American Airlines pilots and senior leadership. This thorough evaluation ensures that recipients possess the perseverance, tenacity, and passion necessary to succeed in the demanding AACA training program and ultimately as American Airlines pilots.
Applications for the next cycle of the Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship are expected to open in late 2026. American Airlines encourages interested team members to learn more about the American Airlines Cadet Academy by visiting the AACA website. The airline, with roots tracing back to 1926, continues its mission to connect more of the U.S. to the world, fostering talent from within to ensure a robust future for its flight operations.
