Scholarship opportunities abound in February

January 30, 2017 By David Tulis

Scholarship applications are opening in February for those interested in aviation-related career fields, including technical and maintenance fields. In addition, scholarships for flight training also are open to enthusiasts in Wisconsin and Michigan.

Technical Women’s Organization Education Scholarship

The FAA Technical Women’s Organization (TWO) plans to award three $1,000 scholarships to FAA TWO members and non-FAA applicants who are pursuing either an aviation-related degree or a technical degree. The organization encourages studies and training that will “advance and/or enhance an individual's career in a technical area.” TWO Vice President Brenda Smith-Keene said scholarship applications will be available by the end of February and that the application deadline will be sometime in May. Check the TWO's website as updated information becomes available.

NBAA Maintenance Technical Reward and Career Scholarship

The National Business Aviation Association offers Maintenance Technical Reward and Career Scholarships to promote technical education for “current or aspiring business aviation maintenance technicians.” The award helps technicians advance their aircraft, engine, and avionics training, and the funds allow applicants to participate in “one of 54 courses donated by 19 education and training providers.” The application deadline is Feb. 28.

Thiessen Aviation Financial Assistance Fund

Wisconsin aircraft owner and builder Jerome Thiessen established the $500 Thiessen Aviation Financial Assistance Fund to benefit local aviation students. Aspiring Wisconsin aviators who demonstrate a desire to succeed in an aviation career may apply for the award as a way of passing along Thiessen’s “love of aviation.” Applications are available through the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, and the deadline is March 1.

Bud & Katherine Rae Aviation Scholarship

Beginning in 1983, friends of longtime Michigan aviator Bernard “Bud” Rae developed a scholarship for budding Saginaw County aviators that honors Rae and perpetuates his “spirit of community service.” Michigan aviation students with “character, commitment, and ability required for a career in aviation” may apply for the Bud & Katherine Rae Aviation Scholarship by contacting the Saginaw Community Foundation. The deadline to apply is Feb. 15.

David Tulis

Senior Photographer

Senior Photographer David Tulis joined AOPA in 2015 and is a private pilot with single-engine land and sea ratings and a tailwheel endorsement. He is also a certificated remote pilot and co-host of the award-wining AOPA Hangar Talk podcast. David enjoys vintage aircraft and photography.

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Topics: Aviation Organizations, National Business Aviation Association, Scholarship