Amelia Earhart Fellowships

One of our long term service projects, is ongoing support of the Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowships, which are awarded through the Zonta International Foundation.

Since 1938, Zontians worldwide have raised 7.1 million US dollars to support 1297 Fellowships, awarded to 902 women from 64 countries. They have been an inspiration to us all!

The Amelia Earhart Fellowships are offered annually to women for graduate study in aerospace related science and engineering and the forms are available from the Zonta International website.

Amelia Earhart was a Member of Zonta from 1928 to 1937, firstly in Boston, then in New York

During the 1920's and 1930's flyers made headlines, and Amelia Earhart was aviation's leading female figure. She was the first woman to:

• fly the Atlantic alone
• fly an autogyro
• receive the US Distinguished Flying Cross
• fly from Hawaii to the US mainland (on 11 January - when Zontians celebrate Amelia Earhart Day)
• attempt to fly around the world at the equator

In addition to setting records, she promoted the airline industry, writing articles for Cosmopolitan Magazine and lecturing on aviation. In 1935 she began an educational project as a Counsellor to women students at Purdue University.

As an early advocate of women's rights, her independent spirit and encouragement of women to compete and excel in any field which interested them made her a popular role model.

When in 1937 she disappeared in the course of her last flight, her fate was shrouded in mystery ..... her spirit transcended its generation and she became a heroine for all ages.

By her example, Amelia Earhart encourged women to expand their horizons by exploring occupations and holding positions beyond those traditionally held by women.