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 2024, 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 2024 Ray Aviation Scholarship Application Form. Deadline for submittal to EAA 857 is January 1, 2024.
EAA 857 2023 Ray Aviation Scholarship Recipient Named
The Award is part of the annual $1.8 million Ray Aviation Scholarship program
Colin Daniello of Mars, PA 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 Ray Aviation Scholarship program provides up to $11,000 scholarships to young people who are seeking to learn to fly. The Ray Foundation has provided $1.8 million to fund the scholarship program, which 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 350 youths to complete their flight training and receive their pilot licenses. This is the second Ray Aviation Scholarship received by Chapter 857 thereby bringing thousands of dollars in flight training to our local flight schools. In addition to this scholarship, Chapter 857 has, for over a decade, offered EAA Air Academy Scholarships to Butler-area youth. These scholarships offer an aviation-focused, summer-camp like experience in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. There is no better way to exposure youth to Aviation and Aerospace opportunities than by participating in an EAA Air Academy event.
Colin will be training at High Flight Academy based at Pittsburg-Butler Regional Airport. 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.
Colin is EAA Chapter 857's second Ray Aviation Scholarship Awardee. Naomi Wigley, our 2022 awardee passed her private pilot check ride in December 2022. Congratulations are due to both of these young aviators!