The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the AOPA Foundation opened its scholarship application window today with a new, streamlined process that shortens wait times and helps current and future pilots take advantage of the scholarships sooner.
Previously, the application window was open for five months, which was followed by several months of processing and selecting recipients.
Now, there will be two shorter application windows each year, with award decisions announced soon after. The application period that opened today closes on December 31, with notifications to recipients beginning in February. The next scholarship application period runs from April to June, 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, at least 90 students and up to 10 teachers receive at least $10,000 toward training for their private pilot certificate.
Other scholarships include funding for primary flight training, such as a sport or private certificate, or help pilots obtain additional ratings and certificates such as instrument, commercial, flight instructor, or multiengine. The Foundation also offers several scholarships for non-flying 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 www.aopafoundation.org.
