Top aviation scholarships for you

The Navigate Your Future Scholarship is offered to a high school graduate continuing his or her education in the aviation industry. Applicants must be seniors in high school planning a career in the general aviation field; be enrolled or accepted into an aviation-related program at an accredited college or university; and submit a letter of acceptance from the college or university. Applicants must be able to demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in general aviation. Interested students must complete an application and submit it along with the following required documents no later than the last Friday in June. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.

The Joseph Frasca Excellence in Aviation Scholarship was established through the University Aviation Association to encourage others to reach the highest level of achievement in their aviation studies. It is bestowed upon those who demonstrate a commitment and devotion to aviation in the tradition of Joseph Frasca. Applicants must demonstrate evidence of excellence in activities, studies, events, organizations, etc., related to aviation. They must have Federal Aviation Administration certification or qualifications in either aviation maintenance or flight. Applicants must also have membership in at least one Aviation organization such as Alpha Eta Rho, NIFA Flying Team, Experimental Aircraft Association, Warbirds of America, etc. They must demonstrate involvement in Aviation activities, projects, events, etc., which will demonstrate an interest and an enthusiasm for aviation. Applicants must also be currently enrolled in a UAA member institution. Preference will be given to those with demonstrated interest or experience in aviation simulation; have demonstrated interest or experience in aircraft restoration; have demonstrated interest or experience in aerobatics; work experience in aviation; work experience while in school; and/or financial need. An essay is optional and may be submitted. Completion will enhance the student's application packet and noncompletion will not eliminate them from consideration. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact UAA for more information.

The Paul A. Whelan Scholarship was established in the memory of an exemplary aviation educator, under the auspices of the University Aviation Association. The fund supports men and women pursuing a future in aviation and/or space-related fields. The scholarship will provide opportunities to emerging aviation professionals to achieve their academic goals and contribute their talents to the aviation industry. Applicants must be enrolled at a UAA member institution in an aviation or space-related major. Community college, college, and university applicants are encouraged. Applicants must have a 2.5 overall GPA and a 3.0 GPA in their aviation major coursework. They must also demonstrate a love of aviation, leadership, and extracurricular involvement or community involvement. Preference will be given to applicants who are either with FAA certification as a pilot or mechanic; a former military service or current military service via active duty, the ROTC, the Air National Guard or Reserves while in school; and/or membership in an aviation-related association or professional group such as the UAA. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact UAA for more information.

The Piedmont Non-Flight Education Scholarship supports men and women pursuing non-flight careers in aviation. It provides financial assistance to emerging aviation professionals, helping them achieve their academic goals and contribute their talents to the aviation industry. Applicants must be currently enrolled at a University Aviation Association member institution. They must hold a valid FAA private pilot certificate and be pursuing an instrument, multi-engine, or commercial rating. A letter of recommendation from a faculty member is required. Preference will be given to members of the Piedmont Cadet program. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact UAA for more information.

The DeVore Freedom of Flight Scholarship offers college students an opportunity for initial flight training at schools with FAA Part 141 flight schools. The Freedom of Flight Scholarship was established to honor Dr. DeVore for his contributions to aviation at the local and national levels. His interests have been in promoting aviation education for our youth and providing them with opportunities to enter into dynamic and rewarding careers in aviation. The scholarship is open to students who must be admitted, and must be enrolled at the time the award is dispersed, to a University Aviation Association member institution with a Part 141 approved program. Community college and university applicants are encouraged. They must be admitted to, and undertaking, an aviation-related major. Applicants must submit a recommendation letter from a faculty member from a UAA member institution supporting their application for this scholarship. Students entering a collegiate Part 141 program as a freshman may use letters from other sources. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact UAA for more information.

The Piedmont Airlines Ambassador Flight Scholarship aims to provide financial support for men and women pursuing a future in aviation. The scholarship will provide opportunities to emerging aviation professionals to achieve their academic goals and contribute their talents to the aviation industry. Applicants must be enrolled in a University Aviation Association member institution at the time of application, hold a current FAA private pilot certificate, and must be pursuing an instrument, multi-engine, or commercial pilot rating. Applicants must also submit an official letter of recommendation from faculty. Preference will be given to Piedmont Cadet program members. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact UAA for more information.

The University Aviation Association annually awards the Eugene S. Kropf Scholarship to applicants who are enrolled in an aviation-related curriculum at a UAA member college or university and have achieved sophomore status at the institution. Applicants must be enrolled in and plan to continue a college curriculum leading to a two-year, four-year, or post-graduate degree in the field of aviation. Proof of enrollment must be provided prior to distribution of award. At the time of application, the applicant must be officially enrolled in a UAA member institution in an aviation-related program. Members must have completed 30 or more credit hours (or the equivalent for sophomore status) at the UAA institution and must include the institution's UAA number with the application. No exceptions to this criterion. Credits must have been completed and on your transcript at the time of application. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact UAA for more information.

The Harold Mays Aviation Maintenance Technology Scholarship is open to students enrolled in the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program. Applicants must be enrolled in at least 6 credits of coursework. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact Financial Aid for more information.

The Virginia Hyatt Memorial Scholarship is open to individuals who want to develop their aviation careers. Applicants must be participating in an aviation related program with a qualified instructor or at an accredited college, university, trade school, or training center. They must intend to make aviation in Alaska their career. Applicants must have spent at least two of the past three years in continuous official residency in Alaska. They must have completed at least two semesters, or 30 percent of the work towards their professional goal. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.