American Airlines has announced the creation of the Elise Eberwein American Airlines Pilot Scholarship, a $1 million commitment over the next 10 years to further the airline's extensive efforts to increase and diversify the pilot ranks. 

The scholarship launches later this year and honors Eberwein, American's Executive Vice President of People and Global Engagement, who retires at the end of June. Eberwein began her career as a flight attendant and spent the next 35 years advocating for team members, creating a people-first culture, and driving forward-looking programs to make American a premier place to work. 

The scholarhsip will annually award two candidates with $50,000 each to put toward the cost of pilot training through American Airlines Cadet Academy. Designed to support those candidates with demonstrated financial need or those who may  not have ready access to careers in aviation, this scholarship further enhances American's commitment to strengthen and diversify the flight deck, as well as support the airline's robust recruitment efforts.