25 Great Scholarships for Aviation Management

aviation-managementTaking your future in aviation to new heights is simpler when you find great scholarships for aviation management to fund your liftoff.

Aviation management degrees are available at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels to help students build the strong business acumen needed to lead in today’s modern aviation industry. Whether you’re looking to become an airport manager, airline director, air commerce expert, flight engineer, or aircraft maintenance manager, this is the degree for you. Obtaining aviation management training from an FAA-approved school will make certain you know the ins and outs of the air transportation world to assume upper-level leadership roles.

If you’re ready to taxi your management career onto the runway, the following 25 aviation management scholarships can help you reach for the sky.

1. AAAE Foundation Scholarship Program

Deadline: March 31st

Every year, the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Foundation hosts a program that grants five $1,500, two $1,000, and one $500 aviation management scholarships. Eligible candidates must have at least junior class standing, be enrolled in an accredited higher learning institution, select an aviation-related major, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, exhibit financial need, and participate in school/community activities. A personal statement, official transcript, and letter of faculty recommendation is required.

Contact

AAAE Foundation Scholarship Program
601 Madison Street Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 824-0504
cindy.gunderson@aaae.org
Scholarship Link

2. ACI-NA Airport Commissioner’s Scholarships

Deadline: April 15th

Established in 1993, the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) offers the Airport Commissioner’s Scholarships annually for up to $2,500 to students at accredited colleges who are pursuing a degree in aviation management or airport administration. Applicants must reside in the U.S. or Canada, have completed at least two semesters of study, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, present two recent letters of recommendation, and be dedicated to a career in airport management.

Contact

ACI-NA Airport Commissioner’s Scholarships
2415 Moore’s Mill Road Suite 265
Auburn, AL 36830
(334) 844-2434
memberservices@aci-na.org

3. Bob Reeve Aviation Management Scholarship

Deadline: March 30th

Sponsored by the Alaska Airmen Association, the Bob Reeve Aviation Management Scholarship provides $2,500 each year in honor of an undisputed Alaska legend who created the Reeve Aleutian Airways and served remote islands for over 70 years. To apply, students must reside in Alaska, attend an accredited college, be legal U.S. residents, be enrolled with an aviation management major, carry a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have no felony convictions.

Contact

Bob Reeve Aviation Management Scholarship
4200 Floatplane Drive
Anchorage, AK 99502
(907) 245-1259
dee.hanson@alaskaairmen.org

4. Chuck Peacock Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

In honor of the founder of the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), the Chuck Peacock Memorial Scholarship was created to award $1,000 annually to a graduating high school senior or currently enrolled college student planning to study aviation management. Qualified applicants for these undergraduate aviation management scholarships must be accepted at an accredited college, strive to build business acumen for an aviation career, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and have U.S. citizenship.

Contact

Chuck Peacock Memorial Scholarship
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
(816) 347-8400
mikea@aea.net

5. Delta Air Lines Aviation Management Scholarship

Deadline: November 17th

Through Women in Aviation International (WAI), the Delta Air Lines Aviation Management Scholarship is granted for $5,000 annually to a deserving student enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program for aviation management. Candidates must be full-time college students, have at least two semesters remaining, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and write a 1,000-word career goals essay. Recipients also receive an expenses-paid trip to the Annual WIA Conference.

Contact

Delta Air Lines Aviation Management Scholarship
3647 State Route 503 South
West Alexandria, OH 45381
(937) 839-4647
dwallace@wai.org

6. Donald A. Baldwin Sr. Scholarship

Deadline: November 14th

In memory of an accomplished general aviation pilot, the Donald A. Baldwin Sr. Scholarship was formed in 2007 by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) to award $1,225 to aviation management students seeking to become Certified Aviation Managers who need financial support to take the CAM exam. Applications must include a one-page resume, two letters of recommendation, and a 250-word essay describing how CAM certification will help further their career in business aviation.

Contact

Donald A. Baldwin Sr. Scholarship
1200 G Street NW Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 783-9250
scholarships@nbaa.org

7. Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award

Deadline: April 17th

In the amount of $2,000, the Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award is presented annually by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) for a graduating high school senior who has been accepted into an aviation management, aircraft maintenance, airway science, or flight training program. Qualified candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be active in community service, write a 750-word personal essay, and submit two letters of recommendation.

Contact

Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award
1400 K Street NW Suite 801
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 393-1500
kfraser@gama.aero
Scholarship Link

8. Elisha Hall Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: November 17th

Also gifted through the Women in Aviation International (WAI), the Elisha Hall Memorial Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 each year to female students seeking to further their education in aviation management, aviation maintenance, avionics, flight training, or aircraft scheduling. Eligible applicants must be undergraduates, have WAI membership, maintain good academic standing, and show outstanding community involvement. Preference is given to women residing in Cincinnati, Ohio and the Tri-State area.

Contact

Elisha Hall Memorial Scholarship
3647 State Route 503 South
West Alexandria, OH 45381
(937) 839-4647
dwallace@wai.org

9. Eugene S. Kropf Scholarship Fund

Deadline: June 15th

Administered by the University Aviation Association (UAA), the Eugene S. Kropf Scholarship Fund is designed to provide $500 annually to undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in an aviation management curriculum at a UAA-member college. For consideration, applicants must be U.S. citizens, have completed 30 or more credits, carry a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be committed to a career in aviation, and write a 250-word essay titled “How Can I Improve Aviation Education.”

Contact

Eugene S. Kropf Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217
(303) 556-4623
kuhlmank@msudenver.edu

10. Fred A. Tupper Scholarship Program

Deadline: November 12th

The Kansas Association of Airports (KAA) hosts the Fred A. Tupper Scholarship Program annually to award $1,500 to cover tuition for legal Kansas residents who are enrolled in an approved undergraduate or graduate aviation management program at any U.S. university. Along with the application, eligible candidates must submit one letter of recommendation, proof of enrollment, a photocopy of their driver’s license, and a one-page essay highlighting their aviation interests or experiences.

Contact

Fred A. Tupper Scholarship Program
2173 Airport Road
Wichita, KS 67209
(316) 946-4715
airportengineer@wichita.gov

11. Georgia Business Aviation Association Scholarships

Deadline: March 1st

Annually, the Georgia Business Aviation Association (GBAA) grants several scholarships for $2,500 apiece to full-time college students who are enrolled in an FAA-approved program in aviation management, aviation maintenance, aviation operations, aeronautical engineering, or another related field. Applicants must attend an accredited Georgia college, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and write a 1,000-word essay discussing their aviation interests. There are both undergraduate and graduate aviation management scholarships.

Contact

Georgia Business Aviation Association Scholarships
P.O. Box 43327
Atlanta, GA 30336
admin@gbaa.org

12. Gerald “Jerry” Holland Scholarship

Deadline: February 28th

Sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the Gerald “Jerry” Holland Scholarship is presented annually for $500 to graduating high school seniors who wish to attend an accredited university to receive a four-year degree in aviation management or aeronautical management. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3, have completed at least 75 hours of community service, and be pursuing a career in general aviation. Special consideration is given to student athletes.

Contact

Gerald “Jerry” Holland Scholarship
3000 Poberezny Road
Oshkosh, WI 54902
(920) 426-4800
scholarships@eaa.org

13. Hafthor Hafsteinsson Scholarship Award

Deadline: July 1st

As part of the International Society of Transport Air Trading (ISTAT), the Hafthor Hafsteinsson Scholarship Award is granted each year for up to $10,000 to an international student traveling to the United States to receive a degree in aviation management, aviation economics, aviation law, or aviation equipment finance. Eligible applicants must need financial support, have completed at least two years of university, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and show evidence of personal goals in an aviation career.

Contact

Hafthor Hafsteinsson Scholarship Award
330 North Wabash Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 321-5169
ISTATscholarships@istat.org

14. Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship

Deadline: October 30th

In honor of a devoted woman who has served as chair of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention longer than anyone else, the Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 annually for five deserving undergraduates. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in an aviation management program, attend a UAA-member college, maintain full-time studies, possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, have sophomore standing or higher, and submit an aviation-related resume.

Contact

Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship
1200 G Street NW Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 783-9250
scholarships@nbaa.org
Scholarship Link

15. Juan M. Martinez Jr. Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

For $2,000, the Juan M. Martinez Jr. Scholarship is awarded by the Texas Airports Council (TAC) annually to a full-time college student who is actively working towards a bachelor’s degree in aviation management at any accredited in-state college. Qualified applicants should be Texas residents, have attained at least sophomore status, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, submit a letter of recommendation from an Aviation Department, and write a 250-word essay on an airport management topic of their choice.

Contact

Juan M. Martinez Jr. Scholarship
1108 Lavaca Street Suite 110
Austin, TX 78701
(830) 221-4290
lllerena@nbtexas.org

16. Lawrence G. Fortier Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

Offered by the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), the Lawrence G. Fortier Memorial Scholarship gives $5,000 annually to several students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher in aviation management or a related field. To qualify, candidates must be enrolled at least half-time, have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, attend an FAA-approved college, have 30 or more semester hours remaining, maintain good academic standing, and show an unwavering commitment to an aviation career.

Contact

Lawrence G. Fortier Memorial Scholarship
1101 King Street Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 299-2430
info@atca.org

17. Lowell Gaylor Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Named in honor of the president of AvEI Co. in Dallas for over 25 years, the Lowell Gaylor Memorial Scholarship is awarded through the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) for $1,000 to graduate high school seniors and current college students who are attending an accredited avionics or aviation management program. Eligible recipients must enroll full-time, attend an approved U.S. college, achieve a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5, and be AEA members.

Contact

Lowell Gaylor Memorial Scholarship
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
(816) 347-8400
mikea@aea.net

18. Marty Rosness Student Scholarships

Deadline: March 16th

Ranging in value from $1,250 to $2,500 annually, the Marty Rosness Student Scholarships are distributed by the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) to fund college coursework for two qualified students enrolled in an accredited aviation management program in Arizona. Priority is given to AzAA members in good standing who wish to pursue the Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation. Chosen recipients will also receive free admissions and complimentary lodging for attending the AzAA Spring Conference.

Contact

Marty Rosness Student Scholarships
107 South Southgate Drive
Chandler, AZ 85226
(928) 764-3330
rsj.aero@yahoo.com

19. Michael T. Hadik Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 30th

Established in 2001 by the Aero Club of New England (ACONE), the Michael T. Hadik Memorial Scholarship is intended for graduating high school seniors or full-time college students who are pursuing a professional aviation management career. Qualified candidates must reside in New England, have U.S. citizenship, be at least 16 years old, demonstrate financial need, plan to receive their training from an accredited New England school, hold a current Airman Certificate, and have accumulated a minimum of 100 hours flight time.

Contact

Michael T. Hadik Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 183
Boston, MA 02128
(617) 532-4209
scholarships@ACONE.org
Scholarship Link

20. Minnesota Council of Airports Scholarships

Deadline: March 1st

Through the Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA), two scholarships are presented each year for $1,250 apiece for full-time college students who are actively pursuing a degree or certificate in aviation management at an accredited Minnesota university. Eligible applicants must wish to build a career in aviation management, showcase academic promise with a minimum GPA of 3.0, reside in Minnesota, be in good standing, submit a recommendation, and write a 250-word statement highlighting their post-graduation plans.

Contact

Minnesota Council of Airports Scholarships
644 Bayfield Street Suite 120
St. Paul, MN 55107
(651) 224-4306
exdir@mnairports.org

21. NARA Business Aviation Scholarship

Deadline: October 31st

Sponsored by the National Aircraft Resale Association (NARA), the Business Aviation Scholarship is available for $1,000 to $5,000 annually to full-time undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing coursework in corporate aviation management, aircraft systems, aviation safety, or aviation business. Qualified recipients must enroll in at least 12 hours per semester, have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate potential for a business aviation career.

Contact

NARA Business Aviation Scholarship
P.O. Box 92013
Southlake, TX 76092
(866) 284-4744
devri@NARAaircraft.com

22. Paul A. Whelan Aviation Scholarship

Deadline: May 15th

Administered by the University Aviation Association (UAA), the Paul A. Whelan Aviation Scholarship is bestowed annually for $2,000 upon young men and women who are pursuing a future in aviation management or another aeronautics-related field. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have at least sophomore standing, attend a UAA-member university, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, show leadership potential, and demonstrate a love of aviation. Priority is given to students with FAA certification and former military service.

Contact

Paul A. Whelan Aviation Scholarship
545 North Airport Road
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 453-1147
MPClark@aviation.siu.edu

23. Thiessen Field Aviation Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Within the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin (CFONCW), the Thiessen Field Aviation Scholarship is awarded for $500 to outstanding students enrolled in an aviation management program at an accredited higher learning institution in Wisconsin. Eligible in-state residents must demonstrate a sincere interest in aviation, submit two instructor references, and be actively involved in extra-curricular activities. GPA isn’t a deciding factor for these undergraduate aviation management scholarships, so all who qualify should apply.

Contact

Thiessen Field Aviation Scholarship
500 First Street Suite 2600
Wausau, WI 54403
(715) 845-9555
info@cfoncw.org

24. Thomas Eller Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

In honor of the manager of Omak Municipal Airport from 1982 to 1993, the Thomas Eller Memorial Scholarship is granted for $1,000 annually by the Washington Airport Management Association (WAMA) to students pursuing an accredited degree in aviation management. All candidates must reside in Washington, attend an approved in-state undergraduate institution, exhibit financial need, have a record of academic achievement, and display a strong potential to succeed in airport management.

Contact

Thomas Eller Memorial Scholarship
9900 Airport Way
Snohomish, WA 98296
(360) 568-1541 ext. 224
director@wama.us

25. WCA Corporate Career Scholarship

Deadline: August 30th

Annually, the Women in Corporate Aviation presents the WCA Corporate Career Scholarship for $2,000 to female student members who are pursuing a degree or professional development in aviation management to advance their career in business aviation. To apply, candidates must submit a completed application with a 500-word personal essay, two letters of recommendation, copies of pilot licenses, official academic transcripts, and a current resume. Female aviation management majors could also apply for the Signature Flight Support Corporate Scholarship.

Contact

WCA Corporate Career Scholarship
4450 Nicholas Lane
Southaven, MS 28672
(901) 277-7078
scholarships-wca@wca-intl.org
Scholarship Link

Earning a degree in aviation management can pay off big because aviation managers bring home a median annual salary of $159,450 according to the BLS. For reaping the biggest ROI on your education, it’s important that you find several sources of financial aid to cover rising tuition costs. Scholarships are the best option since they won’t need to be repaid and often can be renewed for up to four years. Let your dream career take flight by applying for some of these great scholarships for aviation management!

See also: 25 Great Scholarships for Engineering Majors