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Last updated on November 18, 2024

The Best Aviation Scholarships to Apply to in 2024

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SCHOLARSHIPS FEATURED BY:
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20 SCHOLARSHIPS
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  1. John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship

    Funded by
    Honor Society Foundation
    Through the generosity of the Cochener Family, this scholarship aims to honor the life of John Young by supporting students who share his ambition.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$5,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 25 days left
    One Click Apply
    1
  2. KG Aviation Scholarship

    Funded by
    Kevin Garland
    This scholarship exists to suppress the pilot shortage we are seeing today and to help budding pilots achieve their dreams.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Jan 03, 2025
    One Click Apply
    2
  3. Hannah Dollick Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Loved Ones of Hannah Dollick
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Hannah Dollick by supporting aspiring female pilots who are self-motivated and dedicated to aviation.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Career Field: Aviation
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    Amount:$15,000
    Deadline:Jan 31, 2025
    3
  4. KG Aviation UAS Scholarship

    Funded by
    Kevin Garland
    This scholarship seeks to support students who are passionate about aviation and drone use so they can complete their education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Career Field: Drone/UAS industry
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Feb 14, 2025
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. Bear Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support fans of "The Bear" who have a vision for the characters' futures!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 11 days left
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. NYT Connections Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support avid players of The New York Times' "Connections" puzzle who have an idea for their own puzzle!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 11 days left
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. Love Island Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship aims to support students who are fans of "Love Island" and are invested in the stories on screen.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 11 days left
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. Team USA Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship aims to encourage students to root for Team USA and share their appreciation for their favorite athletes!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 11 days left
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. LeBron James Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support students who are fans of LeBron James and have been inspired by his career.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 11 days left
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY Mid-Career Writing Scholarship

    Funded by
    CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY
    This scholarship seeks to support aspiring writers so they can go on to professional writing careers and find happiness.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Writing
    • Background: Experience in the workforce
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Dec 31, 2024
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. Take Flight With Embry-Riddle Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship is designed to supply one ambitious high school student interested in aviation, aeronautics, astrophysics, aeronautical engineering or a related field with funds to help with their studies and pursuit of an abundant career.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2022
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    11
  12. Future of Aviation Scholarship

    Funded by
    Thomas Mannion
    This scholarship aims to support future pilots by easing the burden of the financial cost of pilot training and education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school junior or senior or undergraduate
    • Major of Interest: Aviation or piloting
    Amount:$2,500
    Deadline:Aug 15, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    12
  13. Kyle Rairdan Memorial Aviation Scholarship

    Funded by
    Rairdan
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Kyle Rairdan by supporting students who are pursuing degrees in aviation.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Field of Study: Aviation
    • Background: Community involvement
    Amount:$4,000
    Deadline:Apr 20, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    13
  14. Aircraft Mechanics for Aircraft Mechanics Scholarship

    Funded by
    colton parker
    This scholarship aims to spread awareness about the aircraft maintenance field by helping students in low-income areas pursue careers in aircraft maintenance.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Low-income and/or an underrepresented minority
    • Field of Interest: Aircraft maintenance
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:May 01, 2023
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    14
  15. Joseph Lipovits Memorial Aviation Scholarship

    Funded by
    GINA LIPOVITS
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Joseph Lipovits by supporting students who share his passion for aviation.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Field of Study: Aviation/flying
    Amount:$750
    Deadline:Oct 17, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    15
  16. James Diorato Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Michael Diorato
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of James Diorato by supporting the next generation of pilots and aviators and reducing the financial burden of entering the field.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Aviation
    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Aug 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    16
  17. Craig Huffman Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Huffman Family
    This scholarship seeks to support students who are passionate about pursuing higher education and careers in aviation.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Aviation
    • Education Level: High school student, undergraduate, graduate student, or trade school student
    Amount:$2,150
    Deadline:Oct 15, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    17
  18. Stitt Family Aeronautics, Aerospace & Aviation Scholarship

    Funded by
    Stitt
    This scholarship aims to support students who are pursuing the field of aviation or aerospace and need financial assistance in order to do so.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • GPA: 3.5 or higher
    • Background: Financial need
    • Field of Study: Aviation, aerospace, or aeronautics
    • State: California or Colorado
    Amount:$15,000
    Deadline:Mar 08, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    3 winners
    18
  19. Women in the Wings Scholarship

    Funded by
    Sashi Shreedaran
    This scholarship aims to support women who are pursuing their education in the aviation field.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Gender: Female
    • Experience: Volunteer or community service experience
    • Education Level: High school or four-year undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: Aviation field or related field ex: Aviation Science, Aviation Engineering, Aviation Medicine, Aviation Mechanics, or Aviation Business
    Amount:$2,500
    Deadline:Oct 01, 2022
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    3 winners
    19
  20. Spirit of Wenatchee Aviation Scholarship

    Funded by
    Spirit of Wenatchee
    This scholarship aims to support students who are interested in aviation as they pursue higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school junior or senior or undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: Aviation
    • GPA: 3.5 or higher
    • State: Washington
    Amount:$1,460
    Deadline:Jun 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    20

About Aviation Scholarships

The future is propelled forward by transportation, making aviation a growing industry. Improving technology has opened up more job opportunities for students pursuing aviation careers. Because of the increasing demand for airline transportation, it is important to prepare the next generation of pilots by giving financial aid through aviation scholarships.

While the aviation industry may be growing, so are the prices of going through pilot training. Depending on what you intend to do in the field of aviation, the cost differs. Flight school averages a cost of approximately $10,500 in the United States. This average encompasses a range of aviation experience and accounts for lessons, plane rentals, and other equipment. However, these costs don't take into account schooling for aviation students looking to become commercial pilots.

For aviation students looking to become commercial pilots, there is a higher cost because of the steps it takes to work for commercial airlines. Aviation students have to receive their private pilot certificate before becoming commercial pilots and must also earn their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

Aviation students who have already received their private pilot's license have costs totaling around $69,000, while students just beginning their aviation education pay nearly $88,000 to earn both the private pilot certificate and the ATP certificate. These numbers may seem daunting to students planning to begin their flight training through an aviation program, but there are specific aviation scholarships geared toward all levels of future aviators.

What Is an Aviation Scholarship?

In order to assist students through a professional pilot program, there are flight training scholarships that help give opportunities to future pilots. These options vary: because pilots are in high demand, flight training scholarship programs want to help cover the cost of flight school.

Some aviation scholarships are offered by businesses in the aviation industry that are looking to recruit new pilots. Both aviation associations and airline businesses provide scholarships. For example, the Airline Owners and Pilots Association gave over $1 million to students, teachers, and pilots-in-training in 2019. Association and industry scholarships aren't the only opportunities available for aviation students. There are national options, such as the scholarships offered by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Aviation scholarships give financial assistance to future pilots engaged in aviation programs. These scholarships may be offered by different institutions, associations, or schools, but they can all help students in flight training cover the costs of pilot training.

Can You Get a Scholarship for Aviation?

Students of every background and education level can earn an aviation scholarship. High school seniors planning to join an aviation program are just as eligible as experienced pilots who have a private pilot certificate. Scholarships are usually given to students currently enrolled in their aviation education, so students actively pursuing a career in aviation are eligible to search for various scholarships.

Not every scholarship is open to all students. Some have requirements that want only specific education levels, such as high school seniors, whereas others are open to any aviation student. Other aviation scholarships are more specific to one's region, flight school, education level, demographic, or level of financial need.

How to Apply for Aviation Scholarships

Applying for scholarships on Bold.org takes only a few simple steps that start with creating your free account. Fill out your profile thoroughly and include important information about your education, background, major, interests, and other important experiences that help give an idea of who you are. This way, when you begin searching for scholarships, more will be available for you to apply for.

From there, use tools such as the scholarship search page - which has filters for category, education, etc. - and the bookmark tool, which allows you to save scholarships for you to revisit later. Once you've decided on which scholarships are best for you, begin applying. Some scholarships don't require an essay or specifically look for a visual element. However, the majority of scholarships on Bold.org are essay scholarships, meaning they require an essay element along with your application. The scholarship essay helps donors understand more about you and why you deserve their scholarship. If you are struggling with writing a strong essay, take a look at our tips for writing a great scholarship essay.

How to Get an Aviation Scholarship

In order to have the best chance at earning an aviation scholarship, there are some important steps you can take. The most important part of scholarship searching is consistency. Apply for more than one scholarship, and don't be disappointed if you don't win every scholarship you apply for. The more opportunities you put yourself in the running for, the better chance you have of being successful in your pursuit of financial aid.

At the same time, choose the scholarships you apply for with careful consideration, putting extra effort toward scholarships that have more eligibility requirements. Scholarships that have many eligibility requirements aren't open to as many students and, therefore, don't have as many applicants. This increases your chance of winning since fewer people are applying.

If you follow these steps, as well as strengthen your profile and work hard on your applications, you will have the best chance possible of securing aviation scholarships.

How to Find Aviation Scholarships

Since there are aviation scholarships offered through different platforms and programs, there are plenty of ways to begin your search for aviation scholarships. On Bold.org, you can use our scholarship search feature and use the 'Category' filter for the aviation section. This will bring up specific aviation scholarships. You can also look at STEM scholarships or scholarships specific to your background so that you can find more scholarships.

Outside of Bold.org, you can look for federal or national programs geared specifically toward aviation students. Many of these options have already been listed above, but the few included are only the beginning: check Google, talk to the financial office at your school, or talk to other students to see what options are out there for future aviators.

The search for scholarships is ultimately up to you, so take command of your future and pursue opportunities as much as you're able. The more effort you put into finding the best scholarships for you, the more you will get out of the search.

Are There Aviation Scholarships for Veterans?

Yes, there are aviation scholarships available specifically for veterans. These scholarships are designed to assist veterans who are interested in pursuing careers in aviation, including piloting, aviation maintenance, air traffic control, and other aviation-related fields.

Are There Aviation Scholarships for Minorities?

Minorities are encouraged to pursue passions in aviation. Bold.org has opportunities for minority students, including STEM scholarships. STEM is a broad term, and since aviation fits under it, minorities are encouraged to apply for this scholarship and more to get assistance for aviation education. For more financial aid opportunities for minorities, take a look at the scholarships for minorities offered on Bold.org.

Are Scholarships Counted as Income?

In general, scholarships are not counted as income. However, there are some specific requirements that a scholarship must meet for this to be the case. Check out additional resources like the IRS page on scholarships to check on the status of your scholarship.

When Can I Start Applying?

Bold.org has opportunities year-round, so there isn't a bad time to begin applying. Consistently look for scholarships throughout the year. Students can make a free Bold.org account starting in high school or from the age of 14. Once you've created your account, utilize your opportunities throughout the year to help pay for your flight training.

The Experimental Aircraft Association

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is an international organization dedicated to the advancement and promotion of recreational aviation. Founded in 1953 by a group of individuals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who were interested in building their own airplanes, the EAA has grown to encompass all aspects of general aviation. The association's mission includes supporting and encouraging the design and construction of aircraft, as well as promoting aviation safety and education.

The EAA provides a wide range of resources and services to its members, including workshops, educational programs, and advocacy efforts to protect the rights of aviators. It also publishes a variety of materials, including magazines and online content, to keep its members informed about the latest developments in aviation.

The organization's wealth of workshops, webinars, and scholarships further supports students' educational journeys and career aspirations in aviation. Being part of the EAA community also means access to mentorship from experienced aviators and industry professionals, along with exposure to innovative and experimental aircraft designs.

The Aviation International News

AIN Media Group launched its inaugural magazine during the NBAA Convention in Cincinnati in 1972. Since then, the company has not only maintained its production of NBAA Convention News but has also broadened its portfolio to include a wide array of other print and digital platforms, along with webinars and exclusive events.

Regarded as the premier independent authority on news and insights in the business and civil aviation sectors globally, AIN continues to be a trusted resource.

AIN Media Group's resources can significantly enrich an aviation student's educational experience and professional development by offering a window into the broader industry. It serves as a great educational tool, offering up-to-date industry insights, trends, and technologies that are essential for students to stay informed about the dynamic aviation sector.

Looking for more post-secondary scholarships? Create a free Bold.org profile today!

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