The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program that is funded by the Ray Foundation, managed by selected EAA chapters who then award the scholarship to a youth or young adult to help them become a pilot. In addition to scholarship funding, the chapter also helps mentor the scholar and supports them on their path to becoming a licensed pilot.
Chapter 1675 is pleased to select Jacob "Jake" Cox as the Chapters first Ray Aviation Scholar!
For 2027, the Ray Aviation scholarship will be available for 2 candidates 16-19 years old who are pursuing a Private Pilot or Sport Pilot certificate, and for candidates 15-19 years old who are pursuing a Glider Pilot certificate. Applicants must be under the age of 20 when initiating scholarship training so it is advisable that persons not apply if they will be 20 prior to June 30, 2027.
A Ray Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving individual that demonstrates not only an interest but a passion for aviation and is eager to obtain a license as a Private Pilot, Sport Pilot, or a Glider Pilot and can demonstrate that determination and commitment to follow the program to completion.
Additional consideration will be given to candidates who are former Young Eagles, EAA student members, or actively participating in the EAA Young Eagles Flight Plan (i.e. participating in the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course), persons that have initiated flight training and those who have pursued other activities which promote educational training such as attendance in ground school classes or is taking on-line ground school orientation.
Chapter 1675 will be accepting Ray Scholarship applications beginning January 2027 through March 15, 2027, and the Chapter’s selected candidates will be announced by mid-April 2027.
When approved by EAA, the scholarship recipient is expected to comply with the following requirements:
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Partake in two hours of chapter volunteer service per month, such as: Young Eagles rally volunteering, volunteer at pancake breakfast/fly-ins, Chapter build project support, Chapter gatherings participation, Chapter social media and website maintenance
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Submit regular progress reports during monthly check-ins
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Reach designated flight training milestones, as outlined by EAA's training timeline below:
- Start Training within 2 months of EAA International approval
- Solo within 4 months of starting training
- Pass Written Knowledge Test within 6 months of starting
- Pass Practical Flight Test for appropriate license within 1 year of starting training
