Allegiant (NASDAQ; ALGT) awarded three West Fargo School District seniors with Allegiant Careers in Aviation scholarships.

The recipients, Seth Ouellette, Reece Wagner and Kylee Aberle, who are enrolled in the Cass County Career & Technical Education Center aviation program housed at West Fargo’s Sheyenne High School, will each receive $2,500 to assist them in taking the next step in their educational pursuit of careers in aviation. All three are scheduled to graduate next month.

The scholarships, which can be applied toward an aviation program at a college, university, or professional school, are one component of a diverse and immersive partnership between the Cass County Career & Technical Education Center and Allegiant. The funds will empower the students to pursue a high-quality, affordable education and further their knowledge and understanding of aeronautical sciences and the aviation industry.

Allegiant recognizes that the future of the aviation industry relies on the bright minds and talents of young students around the country. With expected national demand for 200,000 pilots and 180,000 maintenance technicians over the next 20 years, the company has set its sights on inspiring and preparing the next generation of young aviators through scholarships, mentorships, and unique STEM-related opportunities. The scholarships are also designed to open the door for diverse groups who are often underrepresented in STEM industries.

“We are grateful that Allegiant has created this partnership and scholarship for our aviation students. Their efforts have generated awareness not only to the students, but to the entire community, of the aviation opportunities available both locally and across the nation. Through quality partnerships, we are able to elevate the perception of the aviation program, thus increasing future student participation in Cass County,” said Denise Jonas, director of the Cass County Career & Technical Education Center.

The Allegiant Careers in Aviation scholarships were awarded based on merit and students’ desire to improve and grow within the aviation industry. Applicants were required to be seniors enrolled in the Cass County aviation program with a plan to pursue further aviation education and a career in the industry. Qualified students submitted an essay detailing their passion for aviation and a letter of recommendation from a core teacher. All applications were reviewed by a panel of school district and Allegiant representatives.

“Seth, Reece and Kylee all have compelling stories and exemplify the kind of passion and drive that we know will lead them to successful careers in aviation,” said Hilarie Grey, managing director of corporate communications for Allegiant.

The scholarship program is one element of Allegiant’s robust national efforts to encourage students to pursue aviation careers. This summer the company will fly the scholarship winners to their corporate headquarters in Las Vegas. The graduated seniors will spend the day touring Allegiant’s operations control center, training center, and state-of-the-art Airbus simulators with leaders from various departments.