Author: Kyle Thede

Edition: Model Aviation - 2023/11
Page Numbers: 104
Portrait of Kyle Thede wearing sunglasses and a cap

SCHOLARSHIPS
TO EXPAND
ELIGIBILITY

Education Through Aviation

By Kyle Thede, Education Specialist | kyle t@modelaircraft.org

Portrait of Kyle Thede wearing sunglasses and a cap

Because model aviation builders and fliers come from all walks of life and all areas of interest, the AMA Foundation is making scholarships available to a wider variety of students than ever before. If you are one of the millions of students opting to learn a specific skilled vocation through a trade school rather than a traditional university, you are now invited and encouraged to apply for any AMA scholarship programs for which you are eligible, starting with the 2024 scholarship program!

As part of its commitment to the celebration of model aviation, AMA has always strongly believed that not only is our hobby fun and rewarding, but it also offers an exciting path to careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and even the arts. To support this pathway, the AMA Foundation has distributed more than $1.3 million to scholarship recipients nationwide to date! Whatever form your journey

Scholarship recipient Ashley Van Milligan holding a University of North Texas shirt
Ashley Van Milligan, a biomedical engineering student from Colorado Springs CO, is one of several 2023 Charles H. Grant scholarship recipients!
Person lying on the floor surrounded by model airplanes
The 2023 recipient of the Ryan M. Sherrow award was Carson McCachern, an engineering student from Edmond OK.

through postsecondary education takes, AMA wants to invest in both your future and the future of our shared passion. Scholarship applications began being accepted starting October 16, 2023, with a final deadline of February 5, 2024. To be eligible for any scholarship, the applicant must:

  • Have been an AMA member for 36 continuous months before the application deadline.
  • Be graduating from high school in the year in which the award is granted or be currently enrolled as a college, university, or trade-school student for the coming academic year.
  • Indicate an anticipated major or area of study and the colleges, universities, or trade schools to which the applicant has applied.

Please note that to be considered, all applicants must submit their scores for SAT and/or ACT tests.

All applications are evaluated by the AMA Scholarship Committee, which makes a recommendation to AMA’s education director, and ultimately, AMA’s Executive Council.

A person who is not at the top of their class academically might still win a significant scholarship award if they are active in the community and/or aeromodeling. Applicants’ backgrounds in their entirety are taken into consideration, and a well-rounded person might be more qualified than one who excels only in school grades or in aeromodeling.

The application process for this scholarship consists of essay questions, so be prepared to describe in detail your involvement with aeromodeling, your community, and extracurricular activities to have the best chance of success.

As always, feel free to reach out to the AMA Education team at education@modelaircraft.org with any questions or concerns about your application!

Best of luck with your studies and happy flying!