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Scholarships

Aviation Scholarships (as of 3-10-2022)

The following is a compilation of scholarships for which Sinclair Aviation students may be able to apply. While many are for flight training, others are offered for our other programs, including aircraft dispatch and aircraft maintenance. This information was last updated as of the date indicated.

THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST OF AVIATION SCHOLARSHIPS. Some webpages, such as the second AOPA link, have resources for additional scholarship opportunities beyond those listed here.

*Some scholarships have special requirements, which are indicated below the name.

Sinclair Scholarships

Sinclair Advising Completion Scholarship: Contact AVT Department

  • For students within 1-2 semesters of program completion.
  • Pays for tuition only; no course fees.
  • Contact Information: AVT Department (937-512-2046). The Department Chair will forward student information to Advising for consideration.

Sinclair/Charles Schnell Foundation Student Loan Program: $500-$1,500

  • Minimum 2.0 GPA, enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours).
  • Must be 18-25 years old, resident of Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, or adjoining states.
  • Student and parents must be US-born and citizens.
  • $500 emergency loans, $1,500 Program Completion Loans.
  • Contact Information: Financial Aid (937-512-3000 / scholarships@sinclair.edu).

Sinclair/Choose Ohio First: Up to $1,600 per term

  • Must be an incoming freshman enrolled in a STEM program (Aviation is approved).
  • Must be a US citizen/permanent resident AND an Ohio resident.
  • Must have high school or college GPA of 3.0 or higher and ACT score of 21 or higher or college-ready placement scores.
  • Student must remain in their program for the entire term of funding and maintain at least part-time status (6 credit hours).
  • Read full details concerning Ohio First Scholarship Qualified Programs

East Dayton Optimist Ray Fortener Memorial Business Scholarship:

  • Montgomery County (OH) resident.
  • Second-year student, enrolled in min. 6 semester hours & min. 30 semester hours completed.
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA.
  • Preference given to AVT students and/or Stebbins HS graduates.
  • Specific criteria defined on page 18 of this Scholarship booklet

East Dayton Optimist Harold and Christine Gum Memorial Engineering Scholarship:

  • Montgomery County (OH) resident.
  • Second-year student, enrolled in min. 6 semester hours & min. 30 semester hours completed.
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA.
  • Preference given to AVT students and/or Stebbins HS graduates.
  • Specific criteria defined on page 31 of this Scholarship booklet

Dr. Lewis Jackson Aviation Scholarship:

  • Enrolled in minimum of 4 semester hours and an Aviation program.
  • Students of African descent with financial need.
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA.
  • Specific criteria defined on page 31 of this Scholarship booklet

Gudorf Aviation Scholarship:

  • Completed minimum of 9 semester hours and enrolled in an Aviation program.
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA.
  • Preference given to a student who does not have other forms of financial aid.
  • Specific criteria defined on page 32 of this Scholarship booklet

Richard Wartinger Memorial Scholarship:

  • Completed minimum of 9 semester hours and enrolled in an Aviation program.
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA.
  • Preference given to a student who does not have other forms of financial aid.
  • Specific criteria defined on page 34 of this Scholarship booklet

U.S. Air & Trade Show Education Endowment:

  • Enrolled in at least 4 semester hours in an Aviation program.
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA.
  • First priority goes to full-time students.
  • Specific criteria defined on page 34 of this Scholarship booklet

Scholarships specific to Ohio

Greater Ohio Valley Chapter of Women in Defense (WID) HORIZONS STEM SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: Up to $2,000

  • Be a female accepted to or currently enrolled in an accredited university or institution.
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA.
  • Be pursuing STEM degree with aspirations to pursue a career within/supporting the defense industry. (Includes all military services including civil service, as well as careers with commercial companies that support the aerospace and defense industry).
  • Resident of Auglaize, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby, and Warren Counties.
  • Scholarship application must be typed and all requested information must be provided.
  • More information: Scholarship requirements and application site / email: scholarship@greaterohiovalleywid.com

Middletown Community Foundation Aviation Educational Trust:

  • Open to Butler, Warren, Montgomery, Preble County students planning to study an aviation field.
  • Explore the Middletown Community Foundation Scholarship Program
  • Read the Journal-News concerning Aviation Scholarship article
  • For further information, contact the Middletown Community Foundation

National Aviation Heritage Area (Cary/Gum Scholarship): $1,500

  • *Student in NAHA county (see site) OR outside w/Air Camp participation.
  • Ages 15-21
  • One available - (additional offered if funding allows)
  • For more information call 937-443-0165 or visit the NAHA site to apply

Ohio Regional Business Aviation: $2,500

  • 1 pilot (must have Private Pilot Certificate)
  • 1 A&P (must be enrolled in college maintenance school OR military transitioning).
  • Two available
  • Apply to Ohio Regional Business Aviation Association for a Scholarship Application or email ORBAA to obtain further information

Ohio Aviation Association Norman J. Crabtree: $500

Scioto Valley 99s: $700-$3,000

General Scholarships

Aircraft Electronics Association (22 available): $1,000 - $3,500

AIAA (multiple): $1,250 - $5,000

  • *Must be AIAA member. Some have special conditions/requirements.
  • Nine are available
  • Visit the AIAA Scholarships & Graduate Awards site to apply

ALPA: Amount varies

AOPA Air Safety Foundation: $2,500 - $14,000

  • *In some cases, must be AOPA member, hold or have applied for Student Pilot Cert
  • Multiple available
  • Examine various AOPA Flight Training Scholarship programs
  • Research additional AOPA Aviation Scholarships

Bill Cowden Scholarship: Up to $1,500

  • *Midwest student, must hold Private and look to gain advanced ratings.
  • One available
  • For clarification, learn about the Bill Cowden Scholarship or inquire further via email

Calvin Carrithers Scholarship: $1,000

  • *Must be enrolled, write aviation blog once a week throughout school year.
  • Four available
  • Apply online for Globalair - Calvin Carrithers Scholarship or obtain precise information via email

Dan Meisinger Learn to Fly: $2,500

Daedalian Foundation: Amount see site

  • *Must have military flying aspirations
  • For qualifications and application process, visit the Daedalian Scholarships page, inquire further for specifics via email or by calling 972-580-2418

The Deputy Scholarship for Women in Technology: $2,000

  • Must be a full-time student pursuing a degree in an eligible field.
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Must provide an unofficial transcript.
  • Must include a 500-word essay.
  • Learn all about Deputy Scholarship

EAA Scholarships: $500 - $10,000

  • *Various scholarships available, including for A&P. Some have requirements.
  • Peruse and apply at the EAA Flight Training and Post-Secondary Scholarships site or acquire more information by calling 1-800-564-6322

Ernie Ayer Aviation Scholarship: $1,000

Figure 1

  • *Flight training only. Funds through Private checkride.
  • One available
  • Visit the Figure 1 - Application and Questionnaire page to apply or if more information is needed, contact via email

International Society of Women Aviators: $5,000 (ISA+21 scholarship)

  • Two ISA+21 scholarships available; other training funding available.
  • Funds available for advanced training (i.e., CFI, CFII, MEI)
  • Training must be completed within a year of award.
  • Must hold Commercial and First-Class Medical Certificates.
  • Navigate towards ISA+21 site to read about the available Scholarships and Applications

Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship: Up to $6,600

Motorola Solutions Foundation Public Safety Explorer Scholarship (Individual $2,000 scholarship):

  • Currently registered and active in a Law Enforcement, Fire/EMS, Health, Aviation, or Law & Government Exploring Post.
  • Parent or guardian approval if under 18 years of age.
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • 500 word educational plan showing how you are going to finance your goal for a career in public safety
  • For better insights, examine the Scholarships page

National Aviation Explorer: $2,000 - $10,000

National Business Aviation Association: $1,000 - $5,000

  • *Multiple. Two A&P maintenance scholarships available.
  • Fourteen available
  • For exploration of the latest various Scholarships, visit the NBAA Scholarship site or reach them via email for explicit information

National Gay Pilots Association: Multiple

  • Multiple scholarships available for flight training and aviation credentialing (i.e., an Aviation degree or Dispatch certification).
  • Scholarships have varying requirements & awards. Please review each scholarship for details.
  • Scholarships are not awarded on the basis of gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. Please see the link below for further details.
  • Please review detailed information concerning NGPA scholarships

Navigating Your Future: $2,500

NHA Scholarship Fund (Helicopter): $3,000

  • *Child or grandchild of Navy/USMC/USCG heli pilot or crew.
  • One available
  • Read detailed criteria about the Naval Helicopter Association Scholarship Fund or to inquire further, call 619-435-7139

The Ninety-Nines/Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships: Multiple, see site

  • Membership of at least one year in The Ninety-Nines required (except for Houghton and Cruse scholarships/funds).
  • Required demonstration of financial need, possession of valid FAA medical certificate.
  • For requirements and instructions, visit the Ninety-Nines Scholarships site

The Ninety-Nines/Karen Johnson Solo Scholarship: $3,000

  • Female students only, must be age 16-20 during 2019 calendar year.
  • Must be used for initial training. Training must be complete by September 9, 2020.
  • Scholarship includes a headset, King Schools flight training course, and autographed set of Barry Schiff aviation books.
  • 500 word essay required detailing why applicant wants to learn to fly, how they will apply their training, flight training to date, goals, and experience in aviation-related activities
  • More terms and information can be obtained via email

Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals: $2,000+

  • Multiple available for various levels of  training. See website for full list.
  • To find out more, visit the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Scholarships page

Real Deal Sober Living Scholarship Fund: $1,000

  • Submit a 500 word essay or two minute video explaining what you are studying and why.
  • Must be 18 years or older starting or continuing a college program with 2.5+ GPA.
  • Must submit proof of enrollment or acceptance.
  • For more information or qualification requirements, visit the Real Deal Sober Living Scholarship Fund site

Regional Airline Association (RAA): $4,000

  • Four available
  • Must be enrolled in an accredited college/university in a program leading to an airline career.
  • Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher.
  • Requires resume submission, essay of 350 words explaining why you want to work in the airline industry, and a faculty recommendation.
  • Read full details about Regional Airline Association Scholarship site

Richard L. Taylor Flight Training: $1,500

Tailhook Educational: $2,500

  • *Must be child or grandchild of Naval aviator, flight officer, or aircrewman.
  • Over one hundred are available
  • For exploration of the various Scholarships available, visit The Tailhook Educational Foundation site or reach them for further information via email

University Aviation Association (UAA): $500 - $3,000

  • Piedmont Airlines, Joseph Frasca, Eugene S. Kropf, and Paul A. Whelan Scholarships
  • Scholarships have varying requirements and awards. Please see each scholarship for details.
  • For full details, visit the University Aviation Association (UAA) Scholarships site

University Aviation Association (UAA) Affiliate Scholarships: Multiple

  • Numerous scholarships for various purposes, including introductory jet training.
  • Scholarships have varying requirements and awards. Please see each scholarship for details.
  • For various deadlines, sponsors and availabilities, visit the Affiliated Scholarships site

Women In Aviation International (General information):

Women In Aviation International (New 2019 Flight Training Scholarships): $3,000-$5,000

  • Private Pilot: $5,000
  • Instrument or CFII: $5,000 (Must hold Private Pilot Certificate)
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): $3,000 (Must hold Instrument+Commercial Certificates)
  • Multi-Engine or MEI: $3,000 (Must hold CFI Certificate if using for MEI)
  • Must be a WIA Member.
  • Must have a CGPA of 3.0 or higher at their high school, flight program, or college.
  • Training must be completed within one year.
  • Learn more from W A I education scholarship site

THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST OF AVIATION SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE. It is intended as a guide.

Please send additional suggestions for inclusion in further revisions of this document to donna.hanshew@sinclair.edu