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 (increased for 2025) 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.

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 consistently meeting and exceeding its expected 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 2025, EAA Chapter 857 will choose and support one 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.

EAA 857 has awarded its fourth Ray Aviation Scholarship!

Adeline Barrett has received a unique full-scholarship opportunity for flight training, thanks to EAA Chapter 857 of Butler, PA.  This Ray Aviation Scholarship program is administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The scholarship is designed to support a flight student through both written and practical segments of flight training that are part of successful FAA pilot certification.  Recently Addie completed her first solo flight and will be working towards cross country her written exam.

Prior recipients of the Ray Aviation Scholarship awarded by the chapter have included Naomi Wigley in 2022, Colin Daniello in 2023 and Samantha Burke in 2024.  Each of these individuals earned their Private Pilots Certificate and are now pursuing further education towards careers in aviation and improving their skills toward additional ratings.