Aviation & Transportation Scholarships

Legal U.S. residents who have lived in Alaska for at least two of the past three years and have no felony convictions may apply for Alaska Airmen spring aviation scholarships. Categories include piloting, maintenance, air traffic control, airport management, and other aviation pursuits. Scholarships are worth up to $10,000. The number of awards varies. High school seniors should include acceptance letters from aviation schools or recommendation letters from a certified flight instructor. Submit the spring application between January 1 and March 3. The Alaska Airmen partner with aviation legends to support the next generation of aviators in Alaska's diverse aviation industry.

Women and non-binary graduate students with a 3.0 or higher GPA enrolled in transportation-related fields such as engineering, planning, finance, or logistics who plan transportation careers may apply for the Helene M. Overly Memorial Graduate Scholarship through their local WTS chapter. One national award of $10,000 is selected from chapter nominees. Scholarships are competitive and weigh transportation career goals, academic record, and transportation-related activities. Apply through your local WTS chapter by its posted deadline. National winners are announced at the WTS Annual Conference.

Minority graduating high school seniors from the Dallas/Fort Worth area pursuing transportation-related careers may apply for COMTO North Texas scholarships. Five awards are granted annually with amounts up to $5,000. Funds may cover tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Eligible fields include engineering, business, logistics, urban planning, and other transportation-related studies. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum 2.5 GPA. College students are not eligible. COMTO North Texas supports minorities building careers in the transportation industry.

College students currently enrolled in an aviation program who maintain a B average or better may apply for the Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship from the National Air Transportation Foundation. Preference is given to residents of Kansas, Missouri, or Illinois. One $2,500 scholarship is awarded for initial or primary flight training. Download the Appraisal and Endorsement Form before applying online. Submit the completed application and required documents by the last Friday in November. An aviation professional recommendation is preferred. The scholarship honors Dan L. Meisinger Sr., founder of Executive Beechcraft, whose aviation career spanned 63 years.

Private pilots of all ages who hold a current Private Pilot Certificate and reside in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, or Ohio may apply for advanced aviation training support through the Bill Cowden Memorial Aviation Scholarship. One award of up to $1,500 is granted annually. The fund was established in memory of Bill Cowden to help pilots pursue higher ratings when financial resources are limited. Submit a professional resume, one aviation-related letter of recommendation, and a one-page essay on your reasons for pursuing advanced aviation training. Applications are accepted from March 15 through May 15.

U.S. citizens or permanent residents with at least a 2.5 GPA who are enrolled or enrolling full time at an accredited U.S. college or university for an undergraduate degree in logistics or moving-related fields may apply. Allied Van Lines awards three scholarships of $1,000 each. Submit a 400 to 800 word essay along with a transcript, enrollment verification, and the completed application by December 15.

Minnesota students majoring in natural resources and environmental sciences may apply for the Art Engelbrecht Environmental Education Scholarship from Viking Sportsmen, Inc. Relevant fields include natural resources management, law enforcement, and aviation. One $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually based on achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership, and service. Check the Viking Sportsmen scholarship application for current requirements and deadlines. The award was established in 2007 by family and friends of conservationist Arthur O. Engelbrecht to support students pursuing environmental education.

U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited U.S. university aviation program may apply for one of four Calvin L. Carrithers Aviation Scholarships from GlobalAir.com. Four scholarships of $1,000 are awarded annually. Complete the online application describing your aviation goals and background. Recipients commit to writing a 200 to 500 word blog post at least once a week during the school year about flight training, flying, and life in their aviation program.

U.S. high school and undergraduate students pursuing education in heavy equipment-related fields may apply. Eligible areas include heavy equipment operation, civil engineering, construction technology, industrial technology, project management, construction management, and automotive technology. One recipient receives $1,000, paid directly to the recipient's educational institution. Submit either a 500-word-or-longer essay or a 2-minute video detailing who you are and your career goals. The winner is announced June 1.

Current graduating seniors or former graduates of a Nebraska high school pursuing full-time undergraduate study at a Nebraska two- or four-year college may apply for the CPCU-Lawrence "Larry" Frazier Memorial Scholarship through the Lincoln Community Foundation. One award of $800 is granted annually. Preference goes to candidates interested in aviation, insurance, or law, and those with debate or Scouting experience. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic success, and personal contribution toward education costs.