Emerging Leaders



 

The Emerging Leaders Program gives students and early-career aviation professionals the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow within the aviation community. At the Bombardier Safety Standdown Seminar, participants engage with industry leaders, explore critical aviation safety practices, and meet peers who share their passion for flight and safety.

This program empowers students to build relationships and develop practical skills that can shape their careers. Through workshops and direct interactions with professionals, students gain real-world experience and connections that can open doors and guide their journey in aviation.

What the Program Offers:

  • Networking sessions with industry professionals and peers.
  • Insights into aviation safety trends and industry best practices.
  • Interactive workshops and discussions to develop practical skills.
  • Mentorship opportunities to connect with professionals and learn about career pathways.

Participation in the seminar and this program is free, with breakfast and lunch provided each day from Tuesday through Thursday.

This year’s Bombardier Safety Standdown will take place November 11–13, 2025, in Wichita, Ks.

Emerging Leaders - Meet & Mingle
Location: Downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel, Riverview Ballroom
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM CT

To stay informed, follow our LinkedIn page.

Donation Fund

Your contributions enable students to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program and attend the Bombardier Safety Standdown Seminar. Every donation directly supports students in accessing workshops, networking opportunities, and mentorship experiences that can have a lasting impact on their careers. All applications and donations are collected and managed by the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) on Bombardier’s behalf, while the Bombardier Safety Standdown Advisory Council reviews applications and votes to determine which students will receive funding.

How your donation helps:

  • Every dollar you donate (100%) directly supports travel and lodging for students who have applied and are selected through the Travel & Accommodation Application.
  • The number of students supported each year depends on the total donations received.
  • Students are awarded funding based on the Advisory Council’s votes. The student with the most votes receives funding first, followed by the next highest, and so on, until all available funds have been allocated. Each selected student could receive up to $1,000 reimbursement to cover travel and lodging expenses, depending on factors such as their location, airline costs, driving distance, and hotel accommodation.
  • Donations are accepted year-round. Any contributions received after funds have been allocated for the current year are carried over to support students in the following year, ensuring every dollar directly benefits a student.
 



DONATE NOW
 

 

Clicking this link will redirect you to a secure page where you can donate to the Emerging Leaders Travel and Accommodation Fund.

Donate today towards the Emerging Leaders Travel and Accommodation Donation Fund.

Your support ensures that financial limitations do not prevent talented students from accessing critical aviation education and building connections that can launch their careers.

Travel & Accommodation Application

Students interested in attending the Safety Standdown Seminar can apply for our Travel & Accommodation Application. Selected applicants may receive up to $1,000 reimbursement from the Travel & Accommodation Fund to help cover travel and lodging costs. This helps make the seminar accessible to students who may otherwise not be able to attend.

How it works:

  • Apply and submit your application online through the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF). For 2025, a maximum of 50 applications were accepted for review.
  • The Safety Standdown Advisory Council (12 members) reviews and votes on submitted applications anonymously.
  • This application is intended for students residing outside Wichita, KS, to support their travel and accommodation for the seminar.
  • Selected students are required to submit an online follow-up report, including travel expense receipts or other documentation. These scholarship recipients will receive a separate email with a link to complete the expense form via DCCF.
  • The number of students we can support each year depends directly on the amount of donations received. From there, funding is applied to students with the highest number of votes from the Advisory Council, continuing in order until the available funds are allocated. In 2025, we received $4,000 in donations, which allowed us to provide support to four students.
  • For 2025, the DCCF notifies both selected and non-selected applicants on or before October 3, 2025.
 



APPLICATIONS CLOSED
 

 

Clicking this link will redirect you to a new page where you can fill out the Emerging Leaders Travel and Accommodation Fund.

Safety Standdown’s Emerging Leaders Travel & Accommodation Application, Opening Late Spring 2026.

We cannot guarantee 100% coverage of costs and fees by applying.

Applicant Instructions:

  • Click create new account and follow the instructions to verify your account.
  • Return to the login page and enter your account credentials.
  • Click the red, Apply link at the top of the page.
  • Click the black Apply button under 2025 Bombardier Safety Standdown Student Travel Scholarship.
  • To view the application form in PDF format, click the white Preview button.


Age Disclaimer: All attendees must be 18 years of age or older to attend the Bombardier Safety Standdown Event. Please be aware of this requirement before applying to avoid any inconveniences.