$250K Scholarship Given To Farmingdale State College Aviation Students

FARMINGDALE, NY — The Clyde Vanel '97 Flight Fee Scholarship was announced by Farmingdale State College (FSC) President John S. Nader and FSC alumnus and New York state Assemblyman Clyde Vanel. The scholarship will support every student in FSC’s Professional Pilot Program.

Vanel arranged for FSC to receive $250K to help offset flight fee costs for the 90 students currently enrolled in the Professional Pilot Program. Scholarships will be awarded in the spring 2024 semester based on each student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and Federal Pell Grant eligibility. Awards will range from $2,300 to $4,572 per student.

"We must ensure that we do all that we can to help provide financial assistance to men and women to become professional pilots," Vanel said in a news release. "This funding will help young adults achieve their dream while securing their economic future."

Vanel is an attorney, entrepreneur, and pilot from Queens. He is the founder of the New York Metro chapter of the Black Pilots of America, Inc., which trains and exposes the community and youth to the field of aviation. He holds a bachelor of science in Aviation Administration and an associate of applied science in Aerospace Technology from FSC, where he served as the student government president.

"We are thankful to Assemblyman Vanel for this tremendous student-focused gift which will have a resounding impact on our Pro-Pilot Program," Nader said. "It is a genuine reflection of Assemblyman Vanel’s exemplary leadership and commitment to our region."

Vanel said being at Farmingdale helped shape his future.

"As a student in the aviation program, I lived it," he said. "I have experienced it firsthand, and I know its impact on me. Farmingdale was invaluable to me. This grant will support students in the program, who are spectacular aviators but may not be able to navigate the flight fees."

FSC is home to the largest collegiate flight school in the Northeast, the school said, and is the only four-year degree program in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The Aviation Flight Center, less than two miles from the FSC campus, serves as the primary hub for flight training with a fleet of 17 aircraft that the college owns and operates and features advanced aviation training devices.

The main campus also houses a fully interactive air traffic control simulator that provides simulation in both tower and radar positions. In addition to Professional Pilot, students can earn a bachelor of science degree in aviation administration, with minors in Air Force ROTC, aviation administration or aviation flight. A drone pilot certification course is also available.

NYS Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, NYS Senator Monica Martinez, FSC Vice President for Development & Alumni Engagement Matthew Colson, FSC Aviation Department Chair Dr. Jeanne Radigan, students and faculty were also in attendance.

"This generous investment will help redefine the scope of opportunity for our aeronautical science students well into the future," Colson said. "As both an alumnus and public servant Assemblyman Vanel personifies FSC’s vibrant alumni network and dedication to exceptional community involvement."