The International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading Foundation (ISTAT Foundation) was founded in 1994 to support individuals and institutions that promote the advancement of commercial aviation and humanitarianism. Funding for programs is provided by annual grants from ISTAT and contributions from individuals and companies. The ISTAT Foundation Board of Trustees, a separate entity from the ISTAT Board of Directors, manages fundraising and programming that meets the Foundation's objectives.
The ISTAT Foundation Internship Program assists in the development of aviation-focused college students desiring to become productive members in the aircraft trading industry and generates qualified employment candidates for ISTAT member companies.
The ISTAT Foundation Internship Committee acts as an intermediary between ISTAT member companies and students seeking aviation internships. Through the use of our web portal, qualified students and employers are able to match the right skills, background and interests with corporate internships.
The ISTAT Foundation is actively engaged in helping young people develop careers in aviation by offering scholarships typically up to $10,000 to college-level students who are academically qualified and in need of financial support. The program is administered by the Scholarship Committee of the ISTAT Foundation Board of Trustees in conjunction with accredited universities who recommend qualified students.
The ISTAT Foundation is committed to supporting the education and development of aviation–minded individuals who wish to pursue a career in the field of aviation finance and trading. As part of this commitment, the ISTAT Foundation has collaborated with Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Daytona Beach to deliver a specially designed one-year (six credit hour or global equivalent) aviation finance and leasing program, ISTAT U.