The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), through NBAA Charities, offers a wide range of scholarships that support young people seeking careers in business aviation. At the 2025 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) 15 students will be receiving the following awards:
William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship
Named in honor of retired NBAA staff member William M. Fanning, who was active in maintenance issues during his nearly 20-year tenure at the association, the Fanning Scholarship recognizes individuals who are studying to enter the field of business aviation maintenance. This year’s recipients are:
- Seth Elias, a student at Aviation Institute of Maintenance studying to become an aviation maintenance technician.
- Liam Rosenfield, a student at Pennsylvania College of Technology studying to become an aviation maintenance technician.
The Corporate Aviation Association Scholarship for Future Leaders
Awards made available by Corporate Aviation Association are presented to aspiring business aviation schedulers or dispatchers, maintenance professionals, pilots or flight attendants. The scholarship selection committee focused on applicants that are able to express their dedication to furthering the business aviation industry.
This year’s recipients are:
- Trevor Hill, a student at Liberty University focusing on becoming an aviation maintenance technician.
- Annabelle Kellogg, a student at Middle Tennessee State University studying flight dispatch with plans to become a scheduler or dispatcher.
- Lindsey Savko, a nursing student and contract flight attendant with plans to become a business aircraft pilot.
- Morgan Shields, a student at University of Central Missouri studying to become a business aircraft pilot.
Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship
The Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship was created in 2001 by NBAA Charities, along with the family and friends of the late Lawrence Ginocchio, to honor his outstanding personal contribution to business aviation.
This year’s recipients, selected for demonstrating honesty, integrity and selflessness, are:
- Cordell Collins, a student at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology majoring in aviation flight.
- Lawrence Jordan, Jr., a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University studying aeronautics.
- Dylan Kuiken, a student at Purdue University studying aviation management.
- Sydney Nimerick, a student at Saint Louis University studying aeronautics.
- Varvara Rahoizha, a student at Western Michigan University studying aviation.
Al Conklin and Bill de Decker Business Aviation Management Scholarship
Conklin & de Decker, in coordination with NBAA, established the Alan H. Conklin Business Aviation Management Scholarship in 2007 to benefit undergraduates pursuing careers in business aviation management. The award was later renamed to recognize Bill de Decker and his dedication to business aviation.
- Luke Templin, a student at Indiana State University studying aviation management and professional flight.
John F. Rahilly Memorial Scholarship for Future A&P Technicians
The Rahilly family created this scholarship in coordination with NBAA Charities to honor the life of John F. Rahilly who worked for more than 40 as an A & P technician, largely in business aviation. He eventually became president of KC Aviation and later held upper management positions at Gulfstream, BBA, Mercury Air Centers and Dassault Falcon Jet.
This year’s recipient is:
- Jonathan Gonzalez, a student at Stratford School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians.
- UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship
Through the UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship, NBAA Charities annually awards a minimum of $1,000 to undergraduates studying aviation-related curricula at NBAA and University Aviation Association-member institutions. This scholarship is named for the late Janice K. Barden, who was active in the aviation community for decades and who served as chair of the NBAA-BACE Local Committee.
This year’s recipients are:
- Souleymane Sall, a student at Florida Institute of Technology studying aviation management.
- Alex Wagner, a student at Saint Louis University studying aeronautics and flight.
