AOPA Foundation opens scholarship applications, revamps process
Scholarships to be awarded twice a year
The AOPA Foundation opened its scholarship application window on October 6 and unveiled a new, streamlined process that shortens wait times and helps current and future pilots put their scholarships to work faster.
Previously, the application window was open for five months, which was followed by several months of processing and selecting recipients.
The next scholarship application period runs from April 1 to June 30, with notifications to recipients beginning in August.
“The AOPA Foundation scholarship program is more popular than ever. Earlier this year, we awarded more than $2 million to nearly 400 people. With these changes, applicants will learn their results sooner and move forward with their training faster than before,” said AOPA Scholarship Manager Taz Thomas.
There are a wide variety of scholarships available through the AOPA Foundation. With generous support from the Ray Foundation, up to 100 scholarships are offered annually to high school students and teachers. Each year, up to 90 students and 10 teachers receive $10,000 or more toward training for their private pilot certificate.
Other scholarships include funding for primary flight training, such as a sport or private pilot certificate, or to help pilots obtain additional ratings and certificates such as instrument, commercial, flight instructor, or multiengine. The AOPA Foundation also offers several scholarships for nonflying pursuits, including mechanic and flight dispatcher training.
“Cost is often the biggest barrier to entry—it deters many who dream of flying or earning additional ratings or certificates,” said AOPA Foundation Senior Vice President Elizabeth Tennyson. “Thanks to the generosity of countless donors, we’ve helped change thousands of lives. Donors who support this program aren’t just giving a gift, they’re making a direct investment in the future of aviation.”
Applicants must meet scholarship-specific criteria and hold a current AOPA membership, which is free for high school students. Details can be found, and applications can be submitted, here.
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 aopafoundation.org.
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