The Ray Foundation is furthering the legacy of James Ray, an EAA lifetime member who was dedicated to aviation and youth education. The Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund provided $1.8 million during 2023, to award scholarships up to $11,000 to young people(ages 15 through 19) who have a strong desire to learn to fly. A similar funding amount is planned for 2024.
The Ray Foundation seeks to improve the industry flight training success rate from the current standard of 20 percent, to 80 percent for program participants. The Ray Aviation Scholarship program is administered through EAA International. Local EAA chapters participate by identifying youth for the Ray Aviation Scholarship program and mentoring them through their flight training journey.
EAA Chapter 122 plays a critical role in the success of the Ray Aviation Scholarship program. For the 2024 scholarship cycle, our chapter is prequalified by EAA International to attract, mentor and support two scholarship recipients on a 75/25 matching gift basis. This is made possible through 75% funding from the Ray Foundation and 25% matching funds generously provided from AIM for the SKY Fund, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Two fully funded flight training scholarships are thus available for two deserving youth aviation scholars, who will be mentored by EAA Chapter 122 throughout their flight training.
The deadline to apply for a 2024 Ray Aviation Scholarship through EAA Chapter 122 is May 31, 2024. Use the following link to apply for this exceptional opportunity: Application for 2024 Chapter 122 Ray Aviation Scholarship
Current and former Chapter 122 Ray Scholars
2023 Ray Scholar: Elijah Naugle
2023 Ray Scholar: Peter Engle
2022 Ray Scholar: Alexia Gonzales-Soto
2022 Ray Scholar: Seth Erdley
2021 Ray Scholar: Gabe Creeger
My Ray Scholarship Experience, by Gabe Creeger (November 2022)
2021 Ray Scholar: Will Stover - Private Pilot as of January 11th, 2022
2020 Ray Scholar: Jake Myers - Private Pilot as of July 28th, 2021
2020 Ray Scholar: Conrad Brown - Private Pilot as of March 16th, 2021
2019 Ray Scholar: Nixon Cawley - Private Pilot as of December 8th, 2020