Apply for
Scholarships in Aviation
If you’re passionate about aviation, aerospace, or engineering, scholarships like those offered by Embry-Riddle and the Academy of Model Aeronautics are incredible opportunities to turn your interests into a lifelong career. These programs not only help reduce the financial challenges of pursuing higher education but also connect you with a community of innovators and mentors who share your enthusiasm for flight and technology. Applying shows your dedication, drive, and potential to make a difference in the future of aerospace — and it could open doors you never imagined. Don’t miss the chance to let your passion for flight take you higher.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Scholarships
The purpose of the U.S. Drone Soccer Embry-Riddle Scholarship is to allow U.S. Drone Soccer and Embry-Riddle to recognize high school students who have displayed significant achievements in education and leadership during their high school career. The award will be up to $5,000 annually.
As a candidate for a U.S. Drone Soccer Embry-Riddle Scholarship, the scholarship selection committee will review your academic records, standardized test scores, GPA, class placement, co-curricular and leadership activities, community service, and the scholarship application essay as part of the criteria; you must be currently participating in U.S. Drone Soccer. This application is for first-year college students who plan on attending Embry-Riddle’s residential campuses in Arizona or Florida, starting the fall 2026 semester.
The Academy of Model Aeronautics Scholarships
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has been helping graduating seniors achieve their dreams since 1970 and is celebrating reaching a total of more than $1 million in awarded scholarships. The scholarships are created through funds donated by model aviation organizations and individuals, AMA members, and a portion of AMA member dues.
The amount and number of scholarships awarded each year depend, to a large extent, upon the number of applicants and their qualifications. All applications will be considered and evaluated by the AMA Scholarship Committee, which will then make a recommendation to the Executive Council (AMA's Board of Directors).
Charles Hampson Grant AMA Scholarship Fund
The Charles Hampson Grant/AMA Scholarship Fund is the Academy of Model Aeronautic's general scholarship fund, from which multiple individual scholarships are awarded annually to high school seniors who plan to attend a university, college, or vocational school the following fall semester.
In choosing the recipients for the Charles H. Grant Award, several important criteria are taken into consideration. The most desirable applicant is one who is a participant in many aspects of school, aeromodeling, and their community. The applicants are rated in several major categories, including grade point average and test results.
An applicant who is not at the top of their class may win a significant scholarship award if they are active in their community, in aeromodeling, or both.
Opens: 10/16/2025
Closes: 2/4/2026
Scholarships from this fund can be awarded in amounts ranging from $500 to $8,000 per student.
Requirements
-
Member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
-
Resident of the U.S.
-
High school senior
-
Seeking a professional certification, associate, or bachelor's degree
-
Participation in aero modeling, community service, extracurricular activities, or work.
Cliff and Nancy Telford Scholarship
This scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors and current college students, and is based on participation in competition activity in the following AMA and FAI classifications:
-
AMA National Aeromodeling Championships (“Nats”) - AAAAA
-
National Championships - AAAA
-
FAI Team Selection Contest
-
AMA Record Trials
-
FAI World Championships
-
FAI World Cup
-
FAI Continental Championships
-
FAI Open International and Limited International
-
FAI Record Attempt
Note: The specific events flown must have been run in strict accordance with the rules contained in the official AMA Competition Regulations or FAI Sporting Code documents. Events of a “fun-fly” nature or other rule derivatives will not be considered.
A $5000 scholarship is awarded each year.
Planesmen ATP/AMP Scholarship
This award will be granted to a student attending an accredited ATP/AMP school. The applicant must be studying ATP/AMP, Airframe and Powerplant, or Avionics Technicials.
A $2500 scholarship is awarded to one student a year.
Planesmen Aerospace Engineering Degree Scholarship
This award will be granted to a graduating high school senior seeking a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a student who is currently enrolled at an accredited university attending a school of engineering.
A $5000 scholarship is awarded to one student each year.
Essay Preparation Prompts
Extracurriculars and/or Community Service
Give details of any extracurricular activities you have participated in. Include specific details about all service activities, including years involved in each one. Community service should not include aeromodeling activities unless specifically for the benefit of your community.
Limit descriptions to experience(s) for which you received no pay.
Work Experience (optional)
Describe any work experience you have in detail. Give dates of employment and the job expectations and responsibilities for each position. What lessons did you learn during your work experiences?
This section is limited to work for which you received pay.
Aeromodeling Experience
Give the details of your personal aeromodeling experience. This may include models you have built and flown, contests you have entered, and club activities in which you have been involved. Describe how modeling has impacted you on a personal level and how it may have influenced your intended course of study.
Letters of Recommendation
A Letter of Recommendation provides an outside, credible perspective on their abilities, character, and potential — things that grades or personal essays alone can’t fully show. A letter of recommendation is helpful for evaluators to better understand who the student applicant is. Requesting a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach or mentor can be valuable.
Applicant Statement
What impact will a scholarship/award from the AMA Foundation have on your future?