Scholarships

There are a ton of scholarship options available to help with your aviation goals. The list below is a great starting point!

Aviation Scholarships for High School Students (2025)

AOPA Flight Training Scholarships

  • Organization: Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation
  • Details: Awards up to $20,000 for flight training toward a private pilot certificate or advanced ratings. In 2025, AOPA plans to distribute over $1 million across high school students, teachers, and adults.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be 16–26 years old at the time of award.
    • Minimum GPA of 2.7.
    • Must have passed the FAA Private Pilot written knowledge exam (for some scholarships).
    • Preference for students in AOPA’s You Can Fly High School Aviation STEM Curriculum or from specific regions (e.g., Maine, Oklahoma).
  • Deadline: February 7, 2025 (application period opens October 6, 2025).
  • Link: AOPA Flight Training Scholarships
  • Why It’s Cool: Huge funding pool, and they offer resources like a scholarship clinic to help your application stand out. Great for private pilot goals.

EAA Flight Training Scholarships

  • Organization: Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
  • Details: Awards over $135,000 annually for flight training (private pilot’s license, gliders, or single-engine land airplanes) and post-secondary aviation programs (e.g., aerospace engineering, aviation maintenance). Amounts vary, typically $5,000–$15,000.
  • Eligibility:
    • Ages 16–19 (some scholarships specific to regions like Tennessee counties).
    • No EAA membership required, but members get priority.
    • Requires transcripts (minimum 2.5 GPA, unweighted).
    • Funds must be used by May 1, 2026.
  • Deadline: December 19, 2025 (application opens October 1, 2025).
  • Link: EAA Flight Training Scholarships
  • Why It’s Cool: One application covers multiple scholarships, and EAA’s donors are passionate about helping young aviators. Includes unique options like the Ray Aviation Scholarship.

Epic Flight Academy Aircraft Mechanic and Pilot Scholarships

  • Organization: Epic Flight Academy
  • Details: Awards 7 pilot scholarships ($20,000 each) and 2 aircraft mechanic scholarships ($20,000 each) for high school seniors, totaling $140,000 in 2025. Funds cover training at Epic campuses.
  • Eligibility:
    • U.S. high school seniors.
    • Must be 18 by the start of training (within 12 months of award).
    • Requires one essay, two recommendation letters, a 2-minute YouTube video, and an aviation-related photo.
  • Deadline: October 1, 2025 (winners announced November 10, 2025).
  • Link: Epic Flight Academy Scholarships
  • Why It’s Cool: Big awards for both pilots and mechanics, and the application lets you showcase your passion creatively with a video.

LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Scholarship

  • Organization: LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation
  • Details: Provides up to $5,000 for flight instruction toward private pilot certification. Focuses on encouraging young adults, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue professional pilot careers.
  • Eligibility:
    • Open to high school students (age not specified, but typically 16+).
    • U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
    • Must demonstrate financial need and passion for aviation.
  • Deadline: January 31, 2025 (application opens October 31, 2024).
  • Link: LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Scholarship
  • Why It’s Cool: Honors a 9/11 hero and supports underrepresented students, making it a meaningful way to start your aviation journey.

The Museum of Flight Scholarships

  • Organization: The Museum of Flight (Washington)
  • Details: Offers three $14,000 scholarships for high school students to earn a private pilot’s license. Includes the Benjamin L. Ellison Pilot Scholarship.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be 16½ by March 1, 2025, and a Washington state resident.
    • Minimum 3.5 GPA (3.0 considered with extenuating circumstances).
    • Requires 40+ hours in Museum programs (e.g., Washington Aerospace Scholars, Raisbeck Aviation High School) or equivalent aviation engagement.
    • Must obtain an FAA third-class medical certificate.
    • Two essays (350–1,000 words) on aviation passion and career goals.
  • Deadline: February 2, 2025 (awards announced May 8, 2025).
  • Link: Museum of Flight Scholarships
  • Why It’s Cool: High-value awards for Washington students, with a focus on hands-on aviation experience and mentorship.

Willard G. Plentl Sr. Aviation Scholarship

    • Organization: Virginia Department of Aviation
    • Details: Awards $3,000 to a Virginia high school senior pursuing a non-engineering aviation career (e.g., pilot, aviation maintenance, aviation management).
    • Eligibility:
      • Virginia resident.
      • Accepted into a non-engineering aviation-related post-secondary program.
      • Minimum GPA not specified, but academic achievement emphasized.
    • Deadline: Not specified for 2025 (typically spring; check website for updates).
    • Link: Virginia Aviation Scholarships
    • Why It’s Cool: Focused on non-engineering paths, perfect for pilot or mechanic dreams, and supports local Virginia students.

    The Ninety-Nines Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship

    • Organization: The Ninety-Nines, Inc. (International Organization of Women Pilots)
    • Details: Offers flight training scholarships (amounts vary, typically $5,000–$10,000) for women pursuing private pilot certification or advanced ratings. Includes First Wings Awards for student pilots.
    • Eligibility:
      • Open to female high school students (16+).
      • Must be a student member of The Ninety-Nines.
      • Requires demonstrated commitment to aviation (e.g., logged flight hours or ground school).
    • Deadline: January 1, 2026 (for 2025 applications).
    • Link: Ninety-Nines Scholarships
    • Why It’s Cool: Empowers young women in aviation, with a legacy of supporting over 750 female pilots since its inception.

    NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship

    • Organization: National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS)
    • Details: Awards up to $1,000 for STEM fields, including aviation-related majors (e.g., aerospace engineering, professional flight). Focuses on underrepresented groups.
    • Eligibility:
      • High school seniors planning to major in STEM.
      • Must demonstrate financial need and academic potential (GPA not specified).
      • Open to underrepresented groups (e.g., minorities, women).
    • Deadline: November 8, 2025 (in honor of National STEM Day).
    • Link: NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship
    • Why It’s Cool: Broad STEM focus includes aviation, and it’s accessible for students who might face financial barriers.

    Chicago Area Business Aviation Association (CABAA) Scholarships

    • Organization: CABAA
    • Details: Offers $8,000 awards for high school seniors pursuing aviation studies (e.g., pilot training, aviation management). Total funding exceeds $90,000 annually.
    • Eligibility:
      • High school seniors in the Chicago area.
      • Must be accepted into an aviation-related college program.
      • Requires application form and supporting documents (e.g., transcripts).
    • Deadline: Typically spring (2025 window closed; check for 2026 updates).
    • Link: CABAA Scholarships
    • Why It’s Cool: Generous awards for Chicago students, with a focus on both academic and professional aviation paths.

    National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) Scholarships

    • Organization: National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
    • Details: Offers scholarships (amounts vary, typically $2,500–$5,000) for pilot training, aircraft maintenance, or other aviation careers.
    • Eligibility:
    • High school seniors or college students enrolled in aviation programs.
    • Must demonstrate commitment to aviation (e.g., through extracurriculars or coursework).
    • U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
    • Deadline: Varies by scholarship (check website for 2025 details).
    • Link: NATF Scholarships
    • Why It’s Cool: Supports a wide range of aviation careers, not just pilots, and emphasizes safety and quality in training.