ESSEX, MD—Josh Hunt, of Kenwood High School in Essex, is one of just 200 Air Force Junior ROTC cadets worldwide to earn a Chief of Staff Private Pilot Scholarship from Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC.

More than 2,575 cadets worldwide applied for the scholarships.

Valued at approximately $22,500, the scholarship will support Hunt in attending an accredited aviation university during the summer of 2020 to participate in an 8-week private pilot license training program.

The scholarship covers transportation, room and board, academics, and flight hours required to potentially earn a private pilot certification.

“JROTC has given me lots of opportunities like this scholarship,” said Hunt, “and I’ve learned a lot in regard to leadership and how to lead people as I’ve been in a leadership role in the JROTC the past three years.”

The scholarship program is an Air Force-level initiative, in collaboration with the commercial aviation industry, to address the national civilian and military pilot shortage.

Hunt hopes to become a pilot in the Air Force but also plans to attend college to pursue his interest in marine biology.