The Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship foundation was started in November 2021 after his tragic passing. His father, Joseph Johnson, is the Founder/President of the foundation. Ashton had two siblings, Cagle and Kaylee.
The mission of the CloudDancer Scholarship plainly put, is to help our servicemen and women get into a flying career as a professionals. Sadly, the GI Bill is essentially unaccessible to our veterans in covering the costs of Private Pilot training; the first step in becoming a career aviator. As such, many of or deserving young men and women are left behind as the costs for some is insurmountable. Private Pilot training costs can average $10,000 or more. These scholarships help those veterans obtain that certificate which then puts them eligible to receive the remaining costs of becoming a professional pilot from their GI Bill.
Each year, the AJM CloudDancer Scholarship hosts a large Gala that mirrors Ashton's interests. Last year's gala was aviation-themed as he was working on his private pilot certificate at the time of his death. This year the theme is a country/western one that Ashton shared with his friends. The funds generated from the Gala are then used to fulfill "the gap" that exists today.
We each passing year, the foundation continues to grow and hopefully provide the "hard-earned" means to a career that will fulfill the dreams of our service men and women.