Frank "Sam" and Betty Houston Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship

The Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston Post-Secondary Aviation Education Scholarship is for high school seniors planning to attend a college or university in science, engineering, or mathematics related to the field of aerospace. One student will receive a 4-year college, university or other post-secondary institution scholarship of up to $30,000 annually for four years. Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the college, university or other post-secondary institution, and may be used for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, student fees, books, room and board, and supplies or equipment required for enrollment.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:

• be U.S. citizen residing in the state of Washington
• have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or higher
• be a high school senior
• have participated in at least 40 hours of programs supported by The Museum of Flight, for example, Western Aerospace Scholars (WAS), Museum Teen Volunteers, Private Pilot Ground School, Aeronautical Science Pathway, Raisbeck Aviation High School, and/or other programs sponsored by the Museum.
• Have taken a minimum of four years of high school mathematics and four years of high school science.
• Major in a field related to aerospace.
• Recipient and at least one parent/guardian must attend the Scholarship Celebration scheduled for May 8, 2025.

General Scholarship Information:

• Financial need will be a consideration in the selection process.
• Preference will be given to applicants who have not received a substantial scholarship or scholarships from other organizations.
• Recipients must enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in a college, university or other post-secondary institution located in the U.S. by Fall 2025 and remain on full-time status over the four years that the scholarship will be awarded.
• Recipient must maintain a college GPA of at least 3.0. Annual documentation will be required.
• At the time of declaring a major, recipients must indicate a major in a field of science, engineering, or mathematics that is clearly connected to the field of aerospace (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Science, Commercial Flight, Astrophysics, Astronautics, Global Security). Recipients must stay with an aerospace-related major throughout the course of their college career. Annual documentation will be required.
• Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the college, university or other post-secondary institution and may be used for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, student fees, books, room and board, and supplies or equipment required for enrollment.
• A recipient who receives a full scholarship from another organization following receipt of a Museum of Flight scholarship must immediately notify scholarships@museumofflight.org.

This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of two donors: Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston – Frank Houston flew B-17s during World War II, was a Boeing 747 Captain for Northwest Airlines, an esteemed member of “Quiet Birdmen,” as well as a former member and Trustee of the Museum of Flight. His wife Betty, who also worked for Northwest Airlines, created this endowment in memory of her husband to support youth who are passionate about studying science, technology, engineering, and/or math in order to pursue careers in aerospace.

Two essays are required as part of the Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston Post-secondary Scholarship

• A 350-word response to the question: After researching the scholarship sponsors Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston, describe how the traits and characteristics that define these accomplished leaders are reflected in you. Be sure to address the traits exhibited by the Houstons as well as how these apply to you.
• A 1,000 word response to the question: Why do you want to pursue a course of study in science, engineering, or mathematics that leads to a career in aerospace? In your essay, please tell us how you acquired your interests and what you have done so far to prepare for your post-high school pursuit of an aerospace degree and entry into the aerospace workforce. Be specific about your long-term goals, and their connections to flight, space, and/or engineering. Note: if you have already submitted an essay for this same essay prompt for another scholarship application, you may copy and paste that essay here.