WARRENSBURG – A year after many just received driver licenses, 10 students will receive private pilot’s certification after successfully completing an eightweek program at the University of Central Missouri. The initiative is part of a collective effort between the aerospace industry and the Air Force to help resolve the nation’s military and civilian pilot shortage while also giving students a higher education experience, based on UCM information. The program addressed issues such as the need for more diversity in an industry where women make up less than 6% of the pool of professional pilots and minorities comprise less than 12%. The program leads to 12 hours of college credit specifically for young people involved in Air Force Junior ROTC. After clearing a selection process, students receive a scholarship valued at nearly $22,500 to participate in the flight program. “The Air Force is picking up the tab for all of this,” UCM instructor ...