Aviation Scholarships

NMC aviation students can offset flight training and tuition costs through a directory of 14 external, industry-backed scholarship opportunities. Find organization names and web links for each program below, and visit the sites for specific dollar amounts and application deadlines.

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National Flight & General Aviation

• AOPA Flight Training: Grants funding directly to student pilots to support primary flight training and advanced ratings.

• Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA): Offers flight training scholarships for aspiring general aviation and career pilots.

• Avfuel Scholarships: Provides recurring financial awards for flight training, continuing education, and career growth.

Diversity & Industry Associations

• Women in Aviation International (WAI) & The Ninety Nines: Deliver flight certificate, rating, and academic awards tailored for women in aviation.

• Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP): Supplies flight training awards and mentorship for underrepresented minority aviators.

• National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA): Offers flight training scholarships supporting LGBTQ+ pilots and allies.

• National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) & Michigan Business Aviation Association (MBAA): Targets students building careers in corporate aviation, business piloting, and flight department leadership.

• University Aviation Association (UAA): Grants collegiate awards specifically for students enrolled in accredited university aviation programs.

Michigan & Regional Grants

• Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarship: Offered through the Grand Rapids Community Foundation for regional aviation students.

• Michigan Aviation Education Foundation (MAEF): Delivers state-level grants for local pilots and aviation students.

Drone & Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS)

• Elevate UAS Scholarship: Supports students entering the uncrewed aerial systems and commercial drone sector.

• Drone Pilot Ground School Scholarship: Financial assistance for students pursuing commercial remote pilot training and drone technology credentials.

Additional general aid opportunities can be searched using Fastweb.