The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation has awarded more than $2.2 million in scholarships in 2026—the largest amount in the Foundation’s history—with an average award of $6,500.
With support from the Ray Foundation, more than $1.3 million will go to 115 high school students and teachers, who will each receive $12,000 toward training for their private pilot certificate.
In addition to the high school scholarships, the Foundation awards other scholarships that can be used toward sport, private, commercial, or flight instructor certificates; instrument or multiengine ratings; and non-flying aviation pursuits such as mechanic or flight dispatcher training.
The AOPA Foundation recently improved its application process and now offers two application periods each year instead of one. The first application period each year runs from April to June, and the second from October to December.
To be eligible for scholarships through the AOPA Foundation, applicants must meet scholarship-specific criteria and hold a current AOPA membership, which is free for high school students. The current application window, which opened on October 1, will close on December 31.
The AOPA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its scholarships and programs are not funded by AOPA member dues, but by generous donations from individuals and organizations. To learn how you can support its mission, visit www.aopafoundation.org.