Check out upcoming scholarship opportunities

Thanks to generous contributions to the AOPA Foundation, the AOPA You Can Fly team has announced the availability of several flight training and maintenance scholarships. AOPA members can apply for a variety of flight training scholarships from primary to advanced flight certification and maintenance valued from $2,500 to $14,000. Application requirements are unique to each scholarship. The deadline to apply is February 11.

High school juniors and seniors enrolled in a music program who have a desire to learn how to fly won’t want to miss this flight training scholarship. The Flying Musicians Association has teamed up “with music directors and flight instructors to offer a scholarship to Learn to Fly.” Candidates must be at least 16 years old when the award is given and must have a passion for music and aviation, a letter of nomination from your music director or teacher, proof of citizenship, the ability to obtain a third class medical and driver’s license, and parental approval. The deadline to apply is January 31,  and recipients will be notified on May 1.

A new scholarship from Sheltair and Avfuel will award six $5,000 scholarships annually. The scholarship, which opens on December 1, will be awarded “across three categories: two for learning to fly or advanced pilot ratings, two for aviation technicians, and two for continuing education.” Lisa Holland, president of Sheltair said, “The Future Takes Flight scholarship program stems from a desire to re-invest in the aviation community we love and are so deeply passionate about.” High school seniors or recent high school graduates planning on a career in the general aviation industry are eligible to apply for the National Air Transportation Association’s Navigate Your Future Scholarship worth $2,500. Applicants must be planning a career in GA and be accepted or enrolled in an aviation-related college program. Students must submit their high school transcript, a letter of recommendation, letter of acceptance from a college or university, along with a personal statement discussing their aviation goals and two or more reasons why the applicant should be selected for the scholarship. Applications are due no later than June 24. The winner will be notified by the end of July.

The Lyons Aviation Foundation is offering a minimum of $1,500 to deserving 16- to 24-year-olds who desire to become professional pilots. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have good moral character, speak English to FAA standards, be able to obtain a third class medical, have sufficient time to complete pilot training within six months, and sign a release form. Candidates must submit a high school or college transcript, letters of recommendation, and proof of citizenship. Applications must be submitted by January 15, and winners will be notified in April.

If you’re interested in pursuing an advanced rotary certificate or maintenance certificate, Helicopter Association International is awarding scholarships for helicopter pilots and maintainers. Each of the awards, which range in value from $500 to $5,000, have specific requirements. Candidates must submit their applications by December 3.

Opportunities for women

Zonta International is awarding up to 35 $10,000 scholarships to women pursuing their doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering or space sciences. Applicants must “be registered in a full-time Ph.D./doctoral program and have completed at least one year of that program or have received a master’s degree in an aerospace-applied field at the time the application is submitted. Applicants must not graduate from their Ph.D. or doctoral program before April 2023.” The November 15 application deadline is approaching quickly.

The Ninety-Nines is offering its members the opportunity to apply for five different Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships for flight training, tuition, technical training, advanced flight training, and scholar grants. Applicants must be a member of The Ninety-Nines and have a realistic goal for aviation advancement, a valid FAA medical, prerequisite certificates (if necessary), flight currency, and proficient flight time for the designated scholarship. Candidates must submit their scholarship application to their appointed scholarship chairman by January 1. Winners will be notified by April 15.

For helpful tips on applying to aviation or educational scholarships, make sure to study advice from AOPA scholarship recipient Madison Seymour.