Scholarships

Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) Scholarships

Website: asianpilots.org/scholarships
The Professional Asian Pilots Association supports diversity and inclusion in aviation through scholarships for aspiring and current Asian and Pacific Islander pilots. Awards assist with flight training, educational expenses, and career development opportunities within professional aviation.

Latino Pilots Association (LPA) Scholarship

Website: latinopilot.org/scholarships
The Latino Pilots Association offers financial aid and mentorship programs to empower Latino and Hispanic aviators. Their scholarships aim to reduce barriers to flight training and promote representation of Latino professionals across all areas of aviation.

Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Scholarships

Website: obap.org/outreach-programs/scholarships
OBAP provides a wide range of scholarships to support Black and minority students pursuing aviation and aerospace careers. Funded through partnerships with airlines, corporate sponsors, and training organizations, these scholarships help foster greater diversity in the flight deck and beyond.

Women in Aviation International (WAI) Scholarships

Website: wai.org/scholarships
Women in Aviation International offers one of the largest collections of aviation scholarships worldwide. Open to both women and men, these awards support training for pilots, maintenance technicians, engineers, and aviation management professionals at all career stages.

RTAG (Rotary to Airline Group) Military & Veterans Aviation Scholarships

Website: rtag.org/scholarships
RTAG provides scholarships specifically for U.S. military veterans and transitioning service members entering civilian aviation. Their programs fund flight training, type ratings, and related career advancement to help veterans launch professional pilot careers.

National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) Scholarships

Website: ngpa.org/scholarships
The NGPA awards scholarships to support members of the LGBTQ+ community pursuing aviation careers. These funds assist students and professionals in all phases of training, while promoting inclusion and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals within the aviation industry.

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Scholarships

Website: nbaa.org/professional-development/scholarships
NBAA offers numerous scholarships for students and professionals seeking careers in business aviation. Awards cover pilot training, maintenance certifications, flight department management, and continuing education for individuals working toward leadership roles in corporate aviation.

National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) Scholarships

Website: nata.aero/national-air-transportation-foundation/scholarships
The NATF, the charitable arm of the National Air Transportation Association, provides scholarships for aviation maintenance, operations, and business students. These awards are designed to encourage academic excellence and support the next generation of aviation professionals.

Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Scholarships

Website: alpa.org/Supporting-Pilots/Benefits-and-Assistance/Scholarships-and-Internships
ALPA’s scholarship programs are available to dependents of union members and aspiring pilots pursuing aviation degrees. They recognize academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to advancing the piloting profession through formal education and training.

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Scholarships

Website: aopa.org/training-and-safety/students/aopa-flight-training-scholarships
AOPA offers multiple scholarship programs that fund primary flight training, advanced ratings, and aviation degree pursuits. Supported by the AOPA Foundation, these awards aim to expand access to flight training and encourage long-term engagement in general aviation.

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Scholarships

Website: eaa.org/eaa/learn-to-fly/scholarships
The EAA offers a wide variety of scholarships to support both flight training and aviation-related academic programs. These awards are available to individuals focused on obtaining pilot certificates, adding ratings, or pursuing college-level degrees in aviation, maintenance, or aerospace fields. Experimental Aircraft Association

Make‑A‑Pilot Foundation Scholarships

Website: make-a-pilot.org
Make-A-Pilot is a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to pilot training by providing scholarships for aspiring pilots. They emphasize funding for flight training and creating a community of students pursuing aviation careers. Make-A-Pilot Foundation

Avfuel Corporation / Sheltair Aviation Future Takes Flight Scholarships

Website: avfuel.com/avtrip/maximize-avtrip/scholarship-opportunities
This program awards six $5,000 scholarships each year across three categories: flight training (private or advanced ratings), aviation maintenance/technician education, and ongoing professional development in business aviation. Avfuel

Pathways to Aviation Scholarship Directory

Website: pathwaystoaviation.org/job-seekers/available-scholarships
Although not a single scholarship, this directory aggregates hundreds of aviation-career scholarships (for flight, maintenance, operations, and more) from regional associations, chapters, and industry groups—making it a rich resource for finding additional funding.