Propelling your career down the runway for liftoff may require financial help from industry-funded scholarships for aviation.<\/p>\n
Associate, bachelor’s, and even master’s programs in aviation are found near most U.S. airports to train tomorrow’s flight industry leaders. Aviation majors at FAA-approved schools provide a wealth of cockpit experience as well as hands-on technical maintenance training.<\/p>\n
Studying aviation could leave you flying high in a growing air transportation market. The BLS predicts that hiring of airline and commercial pilots will increase by 5 percent through 2024 for 5,400 new jobs. Aviation degrees also taxi toward occupations like avionics equipment mechanic, flight test engineer, aeronautical engineer, air traffic controller, airport executive, and aviation safety inspector.<\/p>\n
If you’re shooting for the stars, steer your financial aid search to these 25 great aviation scholarships.<\/p>\n
Deadline: December 20th<\/p>\n
Inspiring female pilots since 1929, The Ninety-Nines, Inc. administers the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships for up to $6,000. Licensed pilot members must be currently enrolled in higher education for degrees in aviation, aerospace engineering, air traffic management, or advanced flight training with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The Kitty Houghton Memorial Scholarship is specifically reserved for ladies from non-G20 emerging economies like Chile, Egypt, Pakistan, and Vietnam.<\/p>\n
Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships<\/p>\n
4300 Amelia Earhart Drive Suite A<\/p>\n
Oklahoma City, OK 73159<\/p>\n
(844) 994-1929<\/p>\n
AEChair@ninety-nines.org<\/p>\n
Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: March 30th<\/p>\n Valued at $5,000, the Anne Bridge Baddour Scholarship is presented by the Aero Club of New England each Spring to honor the Exemplary Service Award winner’s 20-year piloting career. Funding lowers tuition at the three FAA-compliant aviation colleges in New England: Daniel Webster College, Bridgewater State University, and North Shore Community College. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, hold a current Airman Certificate, have accumulated 100+ flight hours, and exhibit unmet financial need.<\/p>\n Anne Bridge Baddour Scholarship<\/p>\n P.O. Box 183<\/p>\n Boston, MA 02128<\/p>\n (617) 532-4209<\/p>\n secretary@ACONE.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: August 10th<\/p>\n The South Dakota Pilots Association (SDPA) offers the Becker-Hansen Memorial Scholarship for $1,500 to honor two lives lost in a MU-2 airplane crash that also killed State Governor George Mickelson. Young pilot members in the “Mount Rushmore State” must be at least 16 years old, attend any FAA-accredited flight school, display involvement in aviation activities, and need financial assistance. Aviators should also consider the Jeffrey Boulware Scholarship and Christopher J. Gustad Memorial Scholarship.<\/p>\n Becker-Hansen Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n 303 Golf LAne<\/p>\n Yankton, SD 57078<\/p>\n (303) 242-4102<\/p>\n skyhawk@iw.net<\/p>\n Deadline: August 14th<\/p>\n GlobalAir.com funds the Calvin L. Carrithers Aviation Scholarship to honor the Korean War veteran who served as assistant superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools. Four recipients earn $1,000 annually to afford FAA-accredited aviation programs, including airport management, air traffic control, and commercial aviation, in the United States. Selected students must agree to write 200-500 word blog posts weekly about their aviation interests for the GlobalAir.com website.<\/p>\n Calvin L. Carrithers Aviation Scholarship<\/p>\n 2700 Moran Avenue<\/p>\n Louisville, KY 40205<\/p>\n (888) 236-4309<\/p>\n Lydia.Wiff@globalair.com<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: February 28th<\/p>\n The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum gifts the Captain Kevin Kyle Moseley Scholarship for $2,500 annually to support Oregon high school juniors and seniors who strive to fly or build aircraft. Eligible candidates must be between 16 and 18 years old, pursue a private pilot’s license or aircraft maintenance degree, reside outside of Yamhill County, possess enthusiasm for aviation, and submit a one-page resume.<\/p>\n Captain Kevin Kyle Mosley Scholarship<\/p>\n 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way<\/p>\n McMinnville, OR 97128<\/p>\n (503) 434-4180<\/p>\n education@sprucegoose.org<\/p>\n Deadline: January 1st<\/p>\n Established in 1999, the Forrest Jones Memorial Scholarship is granted for $3,000 by the Alaska Air Carriers Association (AACA) to graduating high school seniors applying to FAA-accredited colleges, licensed flight schools, or certified A&P programs. Qualified aviation majors must study full-time for 12+ credits per semester, maintain a minimum “C” average, reside in the “Last Frontier,” display personal initiative, and show good citizenship in community service.<\/p>\n Forrest Jones Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n 2301 Merrill Field Drive Suite A-3<\/p>\n Anchorage, AK 99501<\/p>\n (907) 277-0071<\/p>\n director@alaskaaircarriers.org<\/p>\n Deadline: May 31st<\/p>\n The Greater Miami Aviation Association (GMAA) awards 10 to 12 scholarships worth up to $6,000 annually to honor George E. Batchelor, the aircraft-trading entrepreneur who founded Aerospace Finance Corp. in 1999. Qualified recipients must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, attend South Florida colleges full-time, have completed at least 15 credits in aviation coursework, carry a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, hold FAA flight certificates, and attach two recommendations.<\/p>\n GMAA-Batchelor Aviation Scholarships<\/p>\n P.O. Box 66-0834<\/p>\n Miami, FL 33266<\/p>\n (305) 884-4300<\/p>\n gmaa.scholarships@miamiaviation.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: April 1st<\/p>\n The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) manages nine small scholarships for aviation, including the $500 Harry E. Arcamuzi Aviation Scholarship. This merit-based, renewable fund helps graduating high school seniors from inner cities like Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, and Seattle who are entering post-secondary programs in aviation with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Students could also apply for the five-week DAHER Summer Internship, which includes round-trip transportation from the U.S. to France.<\/p>\n Harry E. Arcamuzi Aviation Scholarship<\/p>\n 3000 Poberezny Road<\/p>\n Oshkosh, WI 54902<\/p>\n (920) 426-4800<\/p>\n scholarships@eaa.org<\/p>\n Deadline: April 7th<\/p>\n The University Aviation Association provides two Joseph Frasca Excellence in Aviation Scholarships for $1,000 to college undergrads who are excelling with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better in aviation studies. Eligibility criteria requires holding FAA certification in flight or aviation maintenance, attaining junior or senior standing, belonging to aviation-related organizations like Alpha Eta Rho. Applications are accepted at UAA-member schools, such as Auburn, Embry-Riddle, and Westminster.<\/p>\n Joseph Frasca Excellence in Aviation Scholarships<\/p>\n 545 N. Airport Road<\/p>\n Murphysboro, IL 62966<\/p>\n (618) 453-8898<\/p>\n dnewmyer@aviation.siu.edu<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: April 1st<\/p>\n Since 1945, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation in Michigan has blossomed to administer over $1 million yearly, including the Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarship. Qualifying for $1,000 requires having United States citizenship, living in Kent County from Sand Lake to Caledonia, enrolling at least half-time in FFA-accredited aviation curricula, achieving sophomore or higher standing, finishing requirements for a valid pilot’s certificate, and possessing a 2.75 overall GPA or better.<\/p>\n Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarship<\/p>\n 185 Oakes Street SW<\/p>\n Grand Rapids, MI 49503<\/p>\n (616) 454-1751<\/p>\n jtiefenbach@grfoundation.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: Last day of March, June, September, and December<\/p>\n Each quarter, the Judith Resnik Memorial Scholarship is bestowed by American Flyers, a national flight school with locations from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles. Qualified women must hold current second class medical licensure, work toward Certified Instructor (CFIA) ratings, be United States citizens, attend accredited colleges with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and exhibit good communication skills. Aviation scholarships cover 120 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of dual flight training.<\/p>\n Judith Resnik Memorial Scholarships<\/p>\n 2501 Airport Avenue<\/p>\n Santa Monica, CA 90405<\/p>\n (866) 904-0808<\/p>\n sherry@af.tv<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: August 1st<\/p>\n As one of the National Business Aviation Associations’ (NBAA) most profitable funds, the Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship presents $4,500 annually to five outstanding full-time college undergraduates. Eligible recipients must be United States citizens, attain sophomore or higher status, attend UAA-member schools, pursue associate or bachelor’s programs for aviation management, excel academically with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and display integrity and selflessness in community service.<\/p>\n Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship<\/p>\n 1220 G Street NW Suite 110<\/p>\n Washington, DC 20005<\/p>\n (202) 783-9267<\/p>\n scholarships@nbaa.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: April 1st<\/p>\n Created by the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) to remember the late president of AvEI Co. in Texas, the Lowell Gaylor Memorial Scholarship distributes $1,000 for student members studying aviation. It’s intended for high school seniors or current undergrads who are entering FAA-approved schools full-time with a 2.5 GPA or greater for majors in aviation management, aeronautics, avionics, or aircraft maintenance. Students specifically at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology could claim $35,000.<\/p>\n Lowell Gaylor Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n 3570 NE Ralph Powell Road<\/p>\n Lee\u2019s Summit, MO 64064<\/p>\n (816) 347-8400<\/p>\n info@aea.net<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: May 31st<\/p>\n The Aviation Association of Indiana (AAI) administers the Mullen Memorial Flight Scholarship for $1,500 to support graduates of public or private high schools in the “Hoosier State” who are flying toward aviation goals. Interested applicants must be at least sophomores, attend two- or four-year Indiana colleges, major in aviation management or maintenance, present average or better grades, show involvement in extracurriculars, and certify their unmet financial need.<\/p>\n Mullen Memorial Flight Scholarship<\/p>\n 135 N. Pennsylvania Street Suite 1175<\/p>\n Indianapolis, IN 46204<\/p>\n (317) 916-4300<\/p>\n erupenthal@frickassoc.com<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: June 30th<\/p>\n Worth $2,500, the Navigate Your Future Scholarship is awarded by the National Air Transportation Association for tuition during full-time undergraduate study. Qualified applicants must be graduating U.S. high school seniors, gain freshman admission at FAA-approved schools for aviation-related degrees, have career interests in general aviation, and submit a certified transcript with class ranking. Other NATA scholarships for aviation are the Pioneers of Flight Scholarship and Business Scholarship.<\/p>\n Navigate Your Future Scholarship<\/p>\n 818 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 900<\/p>\n Washington, DC 20006<\/p>\n (202) 774-1535<\/p>\n enicholson@nata.aero<\/p>\n Deadline: August 1st<\/p>\n The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) offers three corporate-sponsored scholarships from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Recipients can apply the $5,000 awards for covering advanced flight training or accredited college tuition. Suitable applicants will hold a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, have obtained a private pilot’s certificate, seek professional aviation skills, and continually advocate for the LGBT community.<\/p>\n NGPA American Airlines Scholarships<\/p>\n 4931 W. 35th Street Suite 200<\/p>\n St. Louis Park, MN 55416<\/p>\n (866) 800-6472<\/p>\n mitchell.hamilton@ngpa.org<\/p>\n Deadline: January 31st<\/p>\n Ranging from $500 to $4,000 each, the Northrop Rice Foundation offers 40 aviation scholarships for members enrolled full-time at FAA-certified Part 147 schools. For example, the Avotek LLC Scholarship covers textbooks for students studying avionics. The Houston PAMA Chapter Scholarship applies solely to Texans in the Greater Houston area who have aviation dreams. One PDF application package is required with a transcript, five-paragraph essay, and two professional recommendation letters.<\/p>\n Northrop Rice Foundation Scholarships<\/p>\n 300 S. John Rodes Blvd.<\/p>\n Melbourne, FL 32904<\/p>\n (800) 327-6432<\/p>\n keving@nida.com<\/p>\n Deadline: March 31st<\/p>\n Since 1997, the Airport Minority Advisory Council has gifted over $300,000 total to diverse African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian students who are entering the airport industry. The $2,000 PJ & Dietra Memorial Scholarship selects B.A.\/B.S. candidates majoring in aviation, business, accounting, architecture, engineering, or related fields. United States citizens must attend accredited universities, sustain a 2.5 GPA or better, and participate in the AMAC Student Program.<\/p>\n PJ & Dietra Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n 100 M Street SE Suite 600<\/p>\n Washington, DC 20003<\/p>\n (703) 414-2622<\/p>\n amacfoundation@amac-org.com<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: May 1st<\/p>\n Led by Cape Air Chair Linda Markham, the Regional Airline Association (RAA) grants four yearly scholarships of $4,000 apiece to outstanding students expressing intent to enter the airline industry. Appropriate applicants will attend accredited two- or four-year U.S. colleges, select aviation-related majors, maintain good standing with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and actively participate in community activities. Don’t forget to upload a transcript copy, resume, faculty recommendation, and 350-word goals essay.<\/p>\n Regional Airline Association Scholarships<\/p>\n 2025 M Street NW Suite 800<\/p>\n Washington DC 20036<\/p>\n (202) 367-1170<\/p>\n morgan@raa.org<\/p>\n Deadline: December 31st<\/p>\n Named after the Blue Ridge Aeronautics employee who performed at the Oshkosh Air Venture, SeaFair, and more, the Sean DeRosier Memorial Scholarship awards $1,500 from the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Foundation yearly. Eligible male and female pilots must be between 17 and 31 years old, pursue aerobatic flight training, intend to receive a private pilot’s or A&P license, and write a one-page aviation goals essay.<\/p>\n Sean DeRosier Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n 748 Miller Drive SE Suite G-3<\/p>\n Leesburg, VA 20175<\/p>\n (703) 779-8510<\/p>\n scholarships@icasfoundation.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: December 1st<\/p>\n The Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM) announces over $185,000 in scholarships each year, including the Searching for Success Scholarship. This merit-based program is organized by the Louisville for female bachelor’s students who are studying aviation maintenance, aerospace engineering, or related technical fields with a minimum 3.0 GPA and avid community service participation. Claiming this $1,500 prize requires living in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, or Tenneseee.<\/p>\n Searching for Success Scholarship<\/p>\n 2330 Kenlee Drive<\/p>\n Cincinnati, OH 45230<\/p>\n (386) 416-0248<\/p>\n scholarships@awam.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: January 9th<\/p>\n The Montana Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division has established several aviation scholarships like the Theresa Nistler Colley Scholarship, which honors a young pilot who lost her battle with leukemia in 2012. To qualify for $1,000, Montana residents must be seeking aviation professions, hold a private pilot’s certificate, be between 17 and 35 years old, and attend accredited U.S. institutions. Also consider the Vigilante Hangar Scholarship and Edwards Jet Center Scholarship.<\/p>\n Theresa Nistler Colley Scholarship<\/p>\n P.O. Box 200507<\/p>\n Helena, MT 59620<\/p>\n (406) 444-2506<\/p>\n jkadlec@mt.gov<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: January 26th<\/p>\n Celebrating the history of the U.S. Armed Forces’ first Black military aviators, the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation provides 40 scholarships of $1,500 apiece to assist financially disadvantaged youth interested in aviation. Eligible aspiring pilots must have graduated from accredited high schools, pursue higher education, maintain a “B” average or better, and have community activities like Junior ROTC or Explorer Scouts. Applications can be obtained by students’ local Tuskegee Airmen Chapter.<\/p>\n Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation<\/p>\n 1816 S. Figueroa Street Suite 4.13<\/p>\n Los Angeles, CA 90015<\/p>\n (213) 742-9541<\/p>\n edward.grice@taisf.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: March 31st<\/p>\n Headquartered in Richmond, the Virginia Aviation Business Association (VABA) hosts the annual Aviation Scholarship Program to provide $2,000 to well-deserving, in-state high school seniors or graduates who are pursuing careers in aviation, including aerospace engineering. Hopeful applicants must be accepted at a technical college or university in Virginia, attain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, attach two recommendations, and write a 500-word essay titled “Why Aviation is Important to the Commonwealth.”<\/p>\n VABA Aviation Scholarship Program<\/p>\n 1011 E Main Street Suite 400<\/p>\n Richmond, VA 23219<\/p>\n (804) 525-1144<\/p>\n info@theVABA.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: April 15th<\/p>\n The Fleet Reserve Association Educational Foundation honors Walter Beall, the U.S. Marine Corps veteran and past regional president, by awarding an Aviation Scholarship for up to $5,000. Funding is reserved for FRA members in good standing and their spouses, children, or grandchildren. Other criteria includes being a United States citizen, enrolling full-time in a college or technical school, pursuing aviation-oriented degrees, and have financial need.<\/p>\n Walter Beall Aviation Scholarship<\/p>\n 125 N. West Street<\/p>\n Alexandria, VA 22314<\/p>\n (703) 683-1400<\/p>\n fra@fra.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Soaring tuition prices could create some turbulence in your aviation education. The College Board reports that the average total budget is $24,610 at public and $49,320 at private U.S. institutions yearly. Although the median pay for pilots is $102,520, upfront tuition costs may leave you calling “Mayday” before graduation. Fortunately, free financial assistance can keep your flight plan on track without hefty loan debt. Make your training less expensive with some of these money-saving scholarships for aviation.<\/p>\n We think you might also like:\u00a0Top 30 Small Non-Profit Colleges for an Online Degree<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"2. Anne Bridge Baddour Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
3. Becker-Hansen Memorial Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
4. Calvin L. Carrithers Aviation Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
5. Captain Kevin Kyle Mosley Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
6. Forrest Jones Memorial Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
7. GMAA-Batchelor Aviation Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
8. Harry E. Arcamuzi Aviation Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
9. Joseph Frasca Excellence in Aviation Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
10. Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
11. Judith Resnik Memorial Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
12. Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
13. Lowell Gaylor Memorial Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
14. Mullen Memorial Flight Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
15. Navigate Your Future Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
16. NGPA American Airlines Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
17. Northrop Rice Foundation Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
18. PJ & Dietra Memorial Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
19. Regional Airline Association Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
20. Sean DeRosier Memorial Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
21. Searching for Success Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
22. Theresa Nistler Colley Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
23. Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
24. VABA Aviation Scholarship Program<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
25. Walter Beall Aviation Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n