LCC Student receives Top-flight Scholarship from International Women in Aviation Program

Jayne Snider has worked full-time at the Capital Region International Airport fueling planes for a privately owned company. Today, she's taking flight on her career path as one of just four women in the Aviation Technology Program at Lansing Community College (LCC).

Snider's decision to enter a historically male-dominated field was recently validated when she was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from Delta Airlines through the International Women in Aviation Program. As part of the scholarship, Snider receives a paid trip to the International Women in Aviation Conference (IWAC) in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., March 2-4, 2017, where she will mix and mingle with other students and professionals in the field.

"I was blown away that they would consider me, and very grateful," says Snider. "I've been incredibly impressed with the industry as a whole. If you ask questions, they are willing to help. That's what so cool."

Snider was accepted into the program in Spring 2016. She immersed herself in her studies, only to be faced with emotional upheaval months later. Her father, Eric Snider Jr., was struck by a motorist and died in July when riding his bike to his job as assistant dean of academic affairs at LCC. Her father, Jayne says, had originally encouraged her to enter the program, and was her biggest advocate for anything she tried in life.

"He was very excited to see me decide what I wanted to do," says Snider. "My dad's death has driven me to do well and to work extra hard. He was a hard worker and instilled that in me. I don't know how to do anything but put my head down and get it done."

Snider's instructors attest to her work ethic and leadership qualities. Her success, they say, will inspire her fellow students, particularly the 7 percent who are women.

"With Jayne receiving this scholarship, and given her exceptional success in the program, we are confident she will motivate other female students in the program, and serve as an example for future students who choose to follow in her footsteps," says LCC Aviation Technology Program Coordinator Jennifer Fenning. "Her achievement will let them know these scholarships are not just available, but reachable."

For Snider, it's not so much about being a pioneer for her gender, but more about having access to quality educational and hands-on learning experiences to prepare for a career.

"The biggest thing for me right now is just being able to get into the lab," she says. "LCC has fantastic facilities and lots of great training tools. Having great equipment to work on is exciting and gives me a great base to succeed in the industry."

About Lansing Community College
Lansing Community College is Michigan’s third largest community college with nearly 15,000 students attending each year. LCC offers courses in general education for those interested in transferring to a university, career and workforce development, developmental education and personal enrichment. To meet the professional development and training needs of regional employees, the college offers customized programs for credit, non-credit and continuing education. The University Center at LCC offers students the opportunity to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from six partner universities on the downtown LCC campus. For more information, visit lcc.edu.