Willard G. Plentl Sr. Aviation Scholarship Program
Direct application
$3,000
1 winner
Eligibility
Location
Virginia
Major
Transportation
Education level
High school
About this scholarship
Virginia high school seniors with at least a 3.5 unweighted GPA who plan a non-engineering aviation career (such as pilot, maintenance technician, or aviation management) and are accepted into an aviation-related postsecondary program may apply.
The Virginia Department of Aviation awards one renewable $3,000 scholarship annually.
Submit a 350 to 500 word essay, official transcript, proof of program acceptance, recommendation letters, and an activity resume by mail by February 27. Digital submissions are not accepted.
Essay question
What else to submit
- Completed mailed application
- Typed double-spaced 350-500 word essay
- Official high school transcript
- Proof of acceptance into an eligible program
- Up to three recommendation letters
- One-page activity and leadership resume
- Statement of financial need
- Completed Commonwealth of Virginia W-9 form
- Virginia high school senior planning an aviation career in a non-engineering area (e.g., pilots, aviation maintenance technicians, aviation managers)
- Unweighted GPA of at least 3.5, certified by a high school official via attached transcript
- Certification of acceptance into a non-engineering, aviation-related postsecondary education program (acceptance/enrollment letters or verification)
- Official copy of current high school transcript
- Recommendation letters (no more than three)
- Typed one-page-maximum sheet listing school-related and extracurricular activities demonstrating accomplishments and leadership capabilities
- Short fill-in Statement of Financial Need: 'Describe why you need this scholarship' (form field, no stated word limit)
- Completed Commonwealth of Virginia W-9 form
- Application must be mailed to the Virginia Department of Aviation (deadline for 2025-2026 cycle: Friday, February 27, 2026)
- Digital submissions are not accepted.