Ray Aviation Scholarship

The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund is a scholarship program that is funded by the Ray Foundation, managed by EAA, and administered through the EAA Chapter network. Through the generous support of the Ray Foundation, EAA provides up to $12,000 to deserving youths to cover their flight training expenses, now totaling $2,250,000 in scholarships annually.  Since 2022, EAA Chapter 857 has been awarded, each year, the opportunity to select and mentor a candidate for pursuit of their private pilot certificate.  To date we have awarded 6 scholarships and have a 100% rate of achievement for our candidate's Private Pilot certificates.

This scholarship program, seeks to improve the flight training success rate from the current industry standards of 20 percent to 80 percent for program participants. Local EAA chapters are responsible for identifying youth for the Ray Aviation Scholarship program and mentoring them through flight training. The Ray Foundation is furthering the legacy of James C. Ray, an EAA lifetime member who was dedicated to aviation and youth education. 

Since its introduction in 2019, the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program has allowed over 180 youths to complete their flight training and receiving their pilot licenses. The program has been seeking an 80% success rate each year.  The Scholarship Funds can be used for any cost directly associated with flight training, such as aircraft rental, CFI fees, aircraft fuel, flying club dues, check-ride fees, and non-owners aircraft insurance.  The program is supported by more than 150 EAA chapters, and was expected to fund nearly 160 scholars in 2022.

In 2027, EAA Chapter 857 will choose and support one or two scholar, between the ages of 16 and 19, in the form of funding and mentorship to help him or her earn their pilot certificate.  If you are interested please download and save the application form linked below, fill it out and return it to EAA Chapter 857 as directed in the form.  Application Candidates should have previously participated in the EAA Young Eagles introduction to aviation and taken a free flight with one of our pilots.

  EAA 857 2027  Ray Aviation Scholarship Application Form.   Deadline for submittal to EAA 857 is January 1, 2027.

Donate to support the EAA 857 25/75 Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund

This chapter fund is to cover 25% of the $12,000 total funding by the Ray Aviation Scholarship for our next candidate to pursue a Private Pilot Certificate.in 2026.  This donation process is specifically earmarked for this purpose.

Make a donation here:  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/ray-aviation-scholarship-fund

or scan this QR Code