Proven scale: The foundation awarded more than $680,000 to 106 students in 2026.
- Open cycle: EAA Aviation Foundation scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 cycle are now open, with a December 16, 2026 deadline and awards announced March 1, 2027.
- Training coverage: Scholarships can fund flight training costs, including a glider license, Private Pilot's License (PPL), sport pilot license, flight ratings, and endorsements.
- Education funding: Post-secondary scholarships apply to tuition at colleges, universities, or trade schools.
- Broad eligibility: Students aged 16 and up can apply, provided they turn 16 by the March 1, 2027 award date.
Applications now open
The EAA Aviation Foundation has opened applications for its 2026-2027 scholarship cycle, giving students pursuing aviation careers a path to funding for flight training and post-secondary education. The deadline to apply is December 16, 2026, with scholarships awarded on March 1, 2027.
What the scholarships cover
The funding addresses two distinct tracks. Flight training scholarships can cover costs associated with a glider license, Private Pilot's License (PPL), sport pilot license, flight ratings, and endorsements. Post-secondary scholarships can be applied to tuition at colleges, universities, or trade schools — relevant for students heading into aerospace engineering, aviation maintenance, and related fields.
For manufacturing and engineering professionals watching the workforce pipeline, this matters. The cost of entry into aviation remains a real constraint on the talent supply.
"One of the largest barriers of entry into the world of aviation for many young people is the cost factor," said Rebecca Streck, Scholarship and Fund Stewardship Coordinator.
Track record and eligibility
The program's scale is substantial. In 2026, the EAA Aviation Foundation awarded scholarships totaling more than $680,000 to 106 students to help them pursue flight training or post-secondary education.
Eligibility is broad: scholarships are available to students aged 16 and up, and applicants must reach age 16 by the time of awarding on March 1, 2027.
About the foundation
The EAA Aviation Foundation is the philanthropic arm of EAA. For more than two decades, the foundation has allocated funds to support education, safety, advocacy, and other outreach programs — work that directly feeds the pipeline of future aviators, engineers, and industry leaders.
Students can apply online through the EAA website. With a December 16, 2026 deadline, prospective applicants have a clear window — but not an unlimited one.
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