Aeronautical Science Pathway Scholarship

One scholarship of $5000 is available for current Aeronautical Science Pathway students. This award is sponsored by three anonymous donors who are strong supporters of the ASP program and its goals to:

  • prepare students for further education and high-demand careers in aerospace, specifically as pilots, air traffic controllers, dispatchers, airport or airline managers, and unmanned aerial systems operators;
  • develop leadership traits, knowledge and skills that enhance a student’s ability to network with aviation professionals, serve as Museum ambassadors, obtain internship and job opportunities, be contributing citizens within the communities in which they will work and reside; and pay it forward by marketing the program to future students, families, and community members.

The donors for this award chose to invest in a student who will use the scholarship to offset expenses for flight training and/or post-secondary studies at a university, technical school, or other accredited institution. The award is intended for students who will pursue a pathway for which they are being prepared to enter through participation in the ASP program—pilot, air traffic control, unmanned aerial systems, dispatch, airport or airline operations/management.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:

  • Recipient and at least one parent/guardian must attend the Scholarship Celebration scheduled for May 9, 2024.
  • Must be currently enrolled in the Aeronautical Science Pathway program. Juniors (age 16-1/2 (by March 1, 2024) by are eligible for flight training only; seniors may apply for either option (flight training or post-secondary).
  • 3.0 grade point average or higher.
  • Financial Need—students with highest financial need will be given priority consideration.
  • Timeline for use of scholarship funds: One year from date of acceptance of award.
Expectations upon receiving the award:
  • A thank-you note or letter to the donors within 1 week
  • An email to the VP of Education at the Museum of Flight within one year, explaining how you used the award and the benefits it provided to you. The information you provide will be shared with the scholarship donors.

As part of the Aeronautical Science Pathways Scholarship application, applicants will be asked to reflect on the following poem:

Pathfinders written by Mike Wiegand, (Circa 2000)

Aviation began as a dream, born of wonder and curiosity.
The dream became a theory, through imagination and intelligence.
The theory became an experiment, through courage and study.
The experiment became a practice, through vision and learning.
This progression has been a profound adventure,
an awakening of the human soul to the possibilities of dreams.

Modern aviation has always depended on a few adventurous spirits Who are the pathfinders for the rest of us –
They are the brave few who survive on faith, skill, and the courage of their convictions.
Pathfinders strive, dare, push the limits, and sacrifice, So that the rest of us can enter the doors they open —
The doors to the future, to human potential…to dreams.

Award
$5,000
Deadline
02/04/2024
Supplemental Questions
  1. What is your GPA in ASP?
  2. What is your long-term career goal?
  3. List the academic honors and awards you have received during high school (indicate years):
  4. Describe your participation in extra-curricular activities. Indicate leadership positions that you have held. These may include participation in school or non-school sponsored activities. Include work experiences and internships, if applicable.
  5. Describe your community service and volunteer activities:
  6. Juniors are only eligible to us their award for flight training. Seniors can apply for either option. I plan to use this award for:
  7. If you are planning to use this award for flight training:
    • 1. You and a parent/guardian are required to read The Museum of Flight’s Flight Training Fundamentals document prior to submitting this scholarship application. To read the document click HERE
    • 2. Please list all pilot certificates and ratings that you have received and dates of completion (if applicable).
    • 3. List all written pilot exams you have passed and dates of completion (if applicable):
    • 4. Number of total hours of flight time recorded (if applicable):
    • 5. Number of solo hours of flight time recorded (if applicable):
    • 6. Current or preferred flight school:
    • 7. How have you funded your flight training to date (if applicable)?
    • 8. If you receive this $3,000 scholarship and need additional funds to complete flight training, what will be your source of funding?
    • 9. If you have received a scholarship or other financial support to pay for flight training, please list those award(s) here.
  8. If planning to use this award for Post-Secondary Studies:
    • 1. Where will you be attending college in the fall of 2023?
    • 2. What do you plan to major in?
    • 3. If you have received a scholarship or other financial support to pay for your post-secondary studies, please list those award(s) here.
  9. Please write a 500-700-word essay in which you explain why you are applying for the ASP Scholarship and how you have demonstrated attributes of a Pathfinder so far, and plan to continue demonstrating those attributes throughout your education and career. Use Mr. Wiegand's poem as a reference for Pathfinder attributes. CLICK HERE to read the Pathfinder poem. We highly recommend that you complete and revise your essay separately and then copy and paste it here.
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