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AIAA Foundation Scholarships are a great chance for students who love space, airplanes, and science. These scholarships are made to help young learners pay for their studies in aerospace and engineering. The program is run by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), a big group that supports future engineers and scientists. Students from around the world can apply if they want to study and build a career in this exciting field. This guide will tell you about the benefits, who can apply, how to apply, and tips to get selected for these amazing study awards.
This Blog Includes:
- AIAA Foundation Scholarships: Quick Highlights
- What is AIAA Foundation Scholarship?
- List of AIAA Foundation Scholarships
- Daedalus 88 Scholarship
- David and Catherine Thompson Space Technology Scholarship
- Mary W. Jackson Scholarship
- Vicki and George Muellner Scholarship for Aerospace Engineering
- Space Transportation Scholarship
- Cary Spitzer Digital Avionics Scholarship
- Denise Ponchak Digital Avionics Scholarship
- Dr. Amy R. Pritchett Digital Avionics Scholarship
- Dr. James Rankin Digital Avionics Scholarship
- Ellis F. Hitt Digital Avionics Scholarship
- Neil Armstrong Graduate Award
- Orville and Wilbur Wright Graduate Award
- Liquid Propulsion TC Graduate Award
- Guidance, Navigation and Control Graduate Award
- Martin Summerfield Propellants and Combustion Graduate Award
- John Leland Atwood Graduate Award
- Gordon C. Oates Air Breathing Propulsion Graduate Award
- William T. Piper, Sr. General Aviation Systems Graduate Award
- Eligibility Criteria for AIAA Foundation Scholarships
- Tips for a Successful AIAA Foundation Scholarship Application
- Key Deadlines for Scholarship Applications
- Why Choose AIAA Foundation Scholarship for Your Studies?
- FAQs
AIAA Foundation Scholarships: Quick Highlights
The AIAA Foundation scholarships provide financial assistance, recognition, and opportunities. Here you will get a quick overview of all you need to know.
| Who Can Apply | Undergraduate and graduate students in STEM or aerospace-related programs; international students eligible for most awards |
| Types of Scholarships | Undergraduate Scholarships, Digital Avionics Scholarships, Graduate Awards |
| Application Process | Online application via AIAA portal, submission of transcripts, personal statement, recommendation letters |
| Number of Awards per Student | Up to 3 scholarships or awards (1 primary + 2 secondary) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Active AIAA Student Membership, strong academic record, alignment with award focus, plagiarism-free submissions |
| Award Amount | Ranges from USD 1,000 to USD 10,000 depending on the scholarship |
| Key Deadlines | Applications open 1 October; close 31 January; recommendation letters due 14 February |
What is AIAA Foundation Scholarship?
AIAA Foundation Scholarship is a student support program that offers financial help to learners interested in space, aviation, and engineering studies. The goal is to make education easier for bright students and inspire them to work on real-world problems in the aerospace industry. These awards also connect students with experts, competitions, and resources that can guide their future careers.
List of AIAA Foundation Scholarships
The AIAA Foundation offers multiple scholarships. These awards are open to students worldwide and help reduce financial stress while encouraging innovation in aerospace.
Daedalus 88 Scholarship
The Daedalus 88 Scholarship is awarded to students who lead hands-on, multidisciplinary aerospace engineering projects. Applicants must be willing to present their work at a mutually agreed site.
| Benefits | Recognition for leadership in student-led aerospace projects |
| Coverage Amount | USD 10,000 |
| Eligibility | College sophomores, juniors, or seniors pursuing aerospace-related programs; must show entrepreneurial spirit and leadership |
| Application Process | Apply online through AIAA portal, submit project details, essays, and recommendations |
David and Catherine Thompson Space Technology Scholarship
This scholarship supports students passionate about space technology and research.
| Benefits | Funding for education in space technology |
| Coverage Amount | USD 10,000 |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate students (sophomore-senior level) with interest in space technology |
| Application Process | Submit online application, essay, and recommendations through AIAA portal |
Mary W. Jackson Scholarship
Named after NASA mathematician Mary W. Jackson, this scholarship encourages students to make a difference in aerospace fields.
| Benefits | Support for tuition and motivation to pursue aerospace science |
| Coverage Amount | USD 10,000 |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate students showing strong academic performance and interest in aerospace |
| Application Process | Apply online, submit transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters |
Vicki and George Muellner Scholarship for Aerospace Engineering
This award supports students committed to careers in aerospace engineering.
| Benefits | Helps reduce education costs and supports career growth |
| Coverage Amount | USD 5,000 |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate aerospace engineering students |
| Application Process | Apply via AIAA online application system |
Space Transportation Scholarship
A focused award for students interested in space transportation systems.
| Benefits | Support for studies in space transportation |
| Coverage Amount | USD 1,500 |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate students with interest in space transportation |
| Application Process | Apply online with all required documents |
Cary Spitzer Digital Avionics Scholarship
This award honors Cary Spitzer, a pioneer in avionics systems, and supports students focused on avionics research and development.
| Benefits | Financial support for avionics-related studies |
| Coverage Amount | USD 3,000 |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate students pursuing avionics-related studies |
| Application Process | Apply through AIAA online portal with academic documents and essay |
Denise Ponchak Digital Avionics Scholarship
This scholarship is designed specifically for non-U.S. students studying outside the United States.
| Benefits | Supports international students in avionics studies |
| Coverage Amount | USD 3,000 |
| Eligibility | Non-U.S. students at a non-U.S. university (except students from embargoed countries) |
| Application Process | Online application with academic proof and recommendation letter |
Dr. Amy R. Pritchett Digital Avionics Scholarship
This award supports students interested in digital avionics systems and human factors in aviation.
| Benefits | Support for avionics education and research |
| Coverage Amount | USD 3,000 |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate students passionate about avionics |
| Application Process | Apply online, upload essays and references |
Dr. James Rankin Digital Avionics Scholarship
This scholarship encourages students to work on avionics innovation and technology.
| Benefits | Tuition support for avionics-focused students |
| Coverage Amount | USD 3,000 |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate students in avionics or systems engineering |
| Application Process | Submit application form and project interest statement |
Ellis F. Hitt Digital Avionics Scholarship
This award supports excellence in avionics education and research.
| Benefits | Funds studies related to avionics |
| Coverage Amount | USD 3,000 |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate students enrolled in avionics programs |
| Application Process | Apply online via AIAA with essay and recommendation letters |
Neil Armstrong Graduate Award
Named after astronaut Neil Armstrong, this award supports outstanding graduate students in aerospace engineering.
| Benefits | Recognition and support for advanced aerospace research |
| Coverage Amount | USD 10,000 |
| Eligibility | Graduate students conducting research in air or space sciences |
| Application Process | Online submission of research work, references, and academic documents |
Orville and Wilbur Wright Graduate Award
This award celebrates students who show innovation in aerospace research.
| Benefits | Financial help and recognition for innovative research |
| Coverage Amount | USD 10,000 |
| Eligibility | Graduate students with proven research excellence in aerospace |
| Application Process | Apply online with research papers and recommendations |
Liquid Propulsion TC Graduate Award
This award supports graduate students studying liquid propulsion technologies.
| Benefits | Recognition and financial support for propulsion research |
| Coverage Amount | USD 2,500 |
| Eligibility | Graduate students working on propulsion-related topics |
| Application Process | Online application through AIAA portal |
This scholarship is for students specializing in guidance, navigation, and control systems.
| Benefits | USD 3,500 award + USD 350 stipend to attend AIAA SciTech Forum |
| Coverage Amount | USD 3,500 + travel stipend |
| Eligibility | Graduate students working on GNC systems |
| Application Process | Submit online application and research summary |
Martin Summerfield Propellants and Combustion Graduate Award
This award is for students researching propellants and combustion systems.
| Benefits | Supports combustion and propulsion research |
| Coverage Amount | USD 1,500 |
| Eligibility | Graduate students working in combustion-related fields |
| Application Process | Apply online through AIAA portal |
John Leland Atwood Graduate Award
This award helps students with a focus on aerospace engineering education and development.
| Benefits | Recognition for excellence in aerospace engineering education |
| Coverage Amount | USD 1,250 |
| Eligibility | Graduate students with strong academic performance |
| Application Process | Apply online through AIAA scholarship system |
Gordon C. Oates Air Breathing Propulsion Graduate Award
This scholarship is for students focusing on air-breathing propulsion systems.
| Benefits | Financial support for propulsion research |
| Coverage Amount | USD 1,000 |
| Eligibility | Graduate students with research in air-breathing propulsion |
| Application Process | Apply online with research documents |
William T. Piper, Sr. General Aviation Systems Graduate Award
This award supports graduate students working in general aviation systems.
| Benefits | USD 1,000 award + USD 500 stipend to attend AIAA AVIATION Forum |
| Coverage Amount | USD 1,500 total |
| Eligibility | Graduate students interested in general aviation systems |
| Application Process | Apply online with academic records and research work |
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Eligibility Criteria for AIAA Foundation Scholarships
To apply for AIAA Foundation Scholarships and Graduate Awards, students must meet some basic requirements. These are the same for most programs and ensure that only eligible candidates are considered.
- AIAA Student Membership: Applicants must be active AIAA Student Members at the time of applying.
- Field of Study: Students must be enrolled in a recognized science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) program, preferably related to aerospace or engineering.
- Academic Standing: A strong academic record is expected. Most scholarships require good GPA/grades and a clear interest in aerospace or engineering.
- Year of Study: Undergraduate scholarships are open for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Graduate awards are open for students pursuing master’s or doctoral programs.
- Application Submission: Applicants must submit all required documents (form, statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation) before the deadline.
- Area of Interest Match: Students should apply for scholarships that match their area of academic interest. Applications not aligned with the award focus are not considered.
- Original Work: All essays and submitted materials must be original and plagiarism-free.
Tips for a Successful AIAA Foundation Scholarship Application
Applying for this scholarship is simple if you follow the process carefully. Here are some steps to help you apply and boost your chances of getting selected.
Step 1: Become an AIAA Student Member
You must have an active AIAA Student Membership before applying. You can sign up online and get your membership ID, which will be used in the application form.
Step 2: Choose the Right Scholarships
You can apply for up to three scholarships or graduate awards. Select one primary award and two secondary awards that match your area of academic interest.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill out the application form available on the AIAA website between 1 October and 31 January. Make sure all sections are filled correctly and honestly.
Step 4: Prepare Required Documents
Upload your transcripts, personal statement, and any other required materials. Your statement should clearly explain your interest in aerospace, leadership qualities, and future goals.
Step 5: Submit Letters of Recommendation
Ask your professors or mentors for recommendation letters early. These must be submitted online before 14 February for your application to be complete.
Step 6: Review and Submit Before Deadline
Double-check your application for errors, grammar, and completeness. Submit before 31 January at 11:59 p.m. ET to avoid disqualification.
Step 7: Wait for the Selection Results
All applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Selection Subcommittee. Judging is based on academics, leadership, and alignment with aerospace goals. All decisions made by the committee are final.
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Key Deadlines for Scholarship Applications
Knowing the exact deadlines is crucial to ensure your application is considered. Here are the dates for scholarships.
| Scholarship / Award | Application Open | Application Close |
| Undergraduate Scholarships & Graduate Awards (General) | 1 October 2025 | 31 January 2026 |
| Letters of Recommendation Submission | – | 14 February 2026 |
| Abe M. Zarem Graduate Award for Distinguished Achievement | 2 January 2025 | 28 February 2025 |
| AIAA Roger W. Kahn Scholarship (High School) | 15 September | 7 January 2025 |
| AIAA and Club for the Future’s Resilient Student Scholarship (High School) | 2 December | 16 February 2025 |
Note: All applications must be complete with required documents and recommendation letters submitted by the deadlines to be eligible.
Why Choose AIAA Foundation Scholarship for Your Studies?
Choosing this scholarship can be a smart step for students who dream about space and airplanes. Here’s why it is a good choice.
- Financial Support: It reduces the cost of education, allowing students to focus on learning.
- Recognition: Receiving this award shows strong academic ability and dedication.
- Networking: Students get chances to connect with industry experts and mentors.
- Career Growth: It strengthens your profile for future jobs or higher studies.
- Inspiration: It motivates students to work on new ideas that can shape the future of flight and space.
Also Read: Dean’s Impact Scholarship 2025: Eligibility, Benefits & Deadlines
FAQs
Ans: The AIAA Foundation is the educational and charitable arm of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. It supports students, educators, and professionals through funding, outreach programs, and competitions to inspire the next generation of aerospace leaders.
Ans: Yes, AIAA provides multiple scholarships, fellowships, and awards for undergraduate and graduate students in aerospace engineering and related fields. These programs help students cover tuition costs and gain recognition in the aerospace industry.
Ans: Joining AIAA gives you access to networking opportunities, technical papers, career resources, and student competitions. It’s a great way to connect with industry experts, stay updated with aerospace innovations, and build a strong professional profile.
Relatable Reads
That was everything you needed to know about the student funding opportunities offered by AIAA. For more such detailed guides on scholarships and study opportunities abroad, visit the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay updated with reliable information.
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