AOPA Foundation sets new scholarship records
The largest amount in the foundation's history
The AOPA Foundation is awarding $2.2 million in scholarships—the largest amount in the foundation’s history—to nearly 400 recipients out of more than 6,800 who applied.
A little more than half of the money provides $12,900 for at least 80 high school students and up to 20 teachers to be used toward their private pilot certificate.
- The Richard McSpadden Scholarship for Advanced Pilot Training, which is funded through contributions from multiple donors. This scholarship aims to help pilots earn ratings to help make them safer. This year, several recipients plan to use the funds to obtain their instrument rating. McSpadden, a fierce advocate for general aviation safety and former senior vice president of the AOPA Air Safety Institute, died in an aircraft accident in 2023.
- The Senator James M. Inhofe FAA Knowledge Test Scholarship, which is funded through the State Chamber of Oklahoma. This scholarship honors the contributions to aviation made by the late senator. This scholarship covers the testing fee, transportation, and preparation materials for high school students to take the knowledge test to earn either their private pilot or FAR Part 107 remote pilot certificate.
- Primary flight training scholarships, which can be used toward sport, private, or recreational certificates.
- Advanced training scholarships for certificates and ratings such as instrument, commercial, flight instructor, or multiengine instrument.
- Funding for nonflying pursuits, including mechanic or flight dispatcher training.
“These scholarships are life changing, in many cases,” said Taz Thomas, AOPA scholarship program manager. “We’ve seen past recipients go on to work in every corner of the aviation industry. We are excited to see where this year’s awardees—who come from every part of the country and background—go in their aviation journey.”
“The biggest barrier to getting into aviation is the cost. We are honored to work with generous donors, such as the Ray Foundation, who are dedicated to investing in the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals,” said AOPA Foundation Senior Vice President Elizabeth Tennyson.
To be eligible, applicants must meet scholarship-specific criteria and hold a current AOPA membership, which is free for high school students. The application window for 2026 AOPA Foundation scholarships will open on October 6, 2025.
The AOPA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its scholarships and programs are not funded by AOPA member dues, but by generous donations from individuals and organizations. To learn how you can support its mission, visit foundationa.aopa.org.
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