American Airlines Announces Third Round of Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship Recipients

Sarah Smith and Lubava Zhdanovich, both American Airlines flight attendants, each receive $50,000 toward flight training.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:55pm

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A minimalist, isometric 3D digital illustration depicting a stylized American Airlines flight attendant standing in front of a modern aircraft hangar, representing the airline's commitment to developing its team members into pilots.American Airlines empowers its own flight attendants to take to the skies as pilots through a prestigious scholarship program honoring the legacy of a pioneering executive.Concord Today

American Airlines has announced the third round of recipients for the Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship. The $50,000 scholarships were awarded to Sarah Smith and Lubava Zhdanovich, two American Airlines flight attendants based out of LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The scholarship is part of a million-dollar, decade-long initiative to empower American Airlines team members to become pilots through the American Airlines Cadet Academy (AACA).

Why it matters

The Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship is a testament to American Airlines' commitment to growing the next generation of exceptional aviators. The scholarship honors the legacy of former American Executive Vice President Elise Eberwein, who championed career growth and development during her 35 years at the airline.

The details

Candidates for the scholarship must go through a rigorous application process, including a written application, multiple letters of recommendation, and an in-person panel interview with current American pilots and senior leadership. The two recipients, Sarah Smith and Lubava Zhdanovich, are both current American Airlines flight attendants who have demonstrated strong qualities of perseverance, tenacity, and passion for becoming pilots.

  • In October 2025, Sarah Smith received her private pilot license from Buckeye Flight Academy in Toledo, Ohio.
  • Sarah Smith is currently enrolled in flight training at ATP Flight School in Concord, North Carolina.
  • Lubava Zhdanovich officially began her flight training in early summer 2025, using funds saved from her time as a flight attendant.
  • Lubava Zhdanovich will report to Infinity Flight Group in Fort Pierce, Florida, in the coming weeks.

The players

Sarah Smith

A flight attendant based out of LaGuardia Airport (LGA) who has been determined to become a pilot, even working side jobs to fund her private pilot training. She received her private pilot license in October 2025 and is now enrolled in flight training at ATP Flight School in Concord, North Carolina.

Lubava Zhdanovich

A flight attendant based out of LaGuardia Airport (LGA) who originally hails from Russia. She moved to the U.S. at 18 with a dream of becoming an airline pilot, inspired by her grandfather. Zhdanovich officially began her flight training in early summer 2025 and will report to Infinity Flight Group in Fort Pierce, Florida, in the coming weeks.

Elise Eberwein

The former American Airlines Executive Vice President of People and Global Engagement, known for championing career growth and development during her 35 years at the airline before retiring in 2022. The Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship honors her legacy.

American Airlines

A premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world, with roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926. American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually.

American Airlines Cadet Academy (AACA)

A program that is part of the Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship, empowering American Airlines team members to advance their goals of becoming pilots.

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What they’re saying

“I couldn't be prouder of Sarah and Lubava, two candidates who are incredibly well-positioned for flight school. They show strong qualities of perseverance, tenacity and passion - all skills necessary to succeed in the Cadet Academy's training and, ultimately, as an American Airlines pilot.”

— Elise Eberwein, Former American Airlines Executive Vice President of People and Global Engagement

“One way or another ... they're going to hire me.”

— Sarah Smith, Flight Attendant, LGA

“I didn't know what the path looked like, I knew I wanted to do something in the aviation space ... but I didn't realize women could be pilots until I moved to the U.S.”

— Lubava Zhdanovich, Flight Attendant, LGA

“I will not forget where I came from and will do everything in my power to make this community more inclusive and accessible to those who do not have access to funds or support.”

— Sarah Smith, Flight Attendant, LGA

“I will be a pilot one day.”

— Lubava Zhdanovich, Flight Attendant, LGA

What’s next

Applications for the next round of Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship recipients will be announced in late 2026.

The takeaway

The Elise Eberwein Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship demonstrates American Airlines' commitment to developing the next generation of exceptional aviators, empowering its own team members to pursue their dreams of becoming pilots through a rigorous and supportive program. The scholarship honors the legacy of a champion of career growth and development, underscoring the airline's values of inclusion, accessibility, and community.