EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIPS

• Gateway Technical College (Kenosha): Provides an associate degree program in Aeronautics with pilot training.

• Carthage College (Kenosha): Offers opportunities connected to the NASA Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium.

• Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE): Features engineering programs with a focus on aerospace studies.

• Carroll University (Waukesha): Offers a bachelor’s program called Aviation Science and Drone Technologies which builds piloting, drone, and data skills through hands-on learning.

For additional education opportunities, click here to view Wisconsin's DOT Degree Programs in Aviation.

• The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Flight Training Scholarships offer financial support to aspiring pilots and aviation students nationwide. These scholarships help cover flight training costs for private pilot, sport pilot, and advanced aviation programs, giving students the resources they need to achieve their aviation goals.

• The Women in Aviation International (WAI) Scholarships provide financial support to women pursuing careers in aviation. These scholarships help cover tuition, flight training, and other aviation-related expenses, empowering women to achieve their goals as pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals.

• The Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund is a merit-based program managed by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and supported by the Ray Foundation that provides significant flight training scholarships to deserving young people. Through local EAA chapters, qualified youth can receive up to $12,000 toward flight training expenses—such as aircraft rental, instructor fees, and fuel—while also gaining mentorship and community support as they work toward pilot certificates.

• Air Academy Camperships are financial grants that help students attend EAA Air Academy aviation camps in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. These camperships make it easier for young aviation enthusiasts (ages 14–18) to participate in hands-on aviation learning experiences—including expert instruction, activities, and lodging—by helping offset the cost of tuition and camp fees. To be eligible, students must first be accepted into an Air Academy program before applying for a campership.

QUICK TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED

• Apply early — many deadlines fall between December and February.

• Apply widely — aviation scholarships often have fewer applicants than general academic awards.

• Check local airports and flight schools — many have small, local scholarships or know of regional opportunities.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Click here to view Wisconsin DOT's list of available scholarships for additional opportunities.  View this document for additional information about these scholarships.

• EAA Young Eagles Build and Fly Program: This program introduces youth to aircraft construction and the fundamentals of flight through building and flying RC model airplanes. It includes kits with all necessary materials, electronics, and accessories, along with RC flight simulator software for training.

• Young Eagles Workshops: Offers youth (approximately ages 11–17) an engaging, hands-on introduction to aviation at local airports through classroom-style learning and interactive activities. Designed for chapters to host as a one-day or multi-day experience, these workshops use turnkey content and materials provided by EAA to explore the basics of airplanes, flight, and aviation careers, all with guidance and mentorship from EAA chapter volunteers.

• AeroEducate is a FREE, online, self-paced learning and activity program for K-12 youths designed to cultivate a passion for careers in flight and STEM.

• The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Interactive Learning Resources offer a rich collection of air and space educational materials for educators and students. From videos and ready-to-use classroom activities to interactive tools and multimedia content, these resources help spark curiosity and support engaging lessons on flight, space exploration, and STEM concepts. Whether you’re planning classroom units or hands-on projects, you’ll find tools to bring aviation and aerospace topics to life.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Bureau of Aeronautics Educational Resources

• WISDot Educator Resources - Aviation and Aerospace

• The EAA Air Academy is a summer aviation camp for youth (typically ages 14–18) held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, that blends hands-on learning with immersive aviation experiences. Campers engage in flight simulations, aircraft projects, aviation studies, and other interactive activities led by experienced aviators, all while staying at the Air Academy Lodge on the EAA campus. It’s designed to spark curiosity and build practical skills for young enthusiasts exploring flight and aerospace.

• The EAA GirlVenture Camp is a four-day aviation experience for young women (grades 9–12) held during EAA’s annual AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The camp offers hands-on workshops, special flight experiences, industry speakers, and opportunities to explore the AirVenture event—all designed to inspire and educate girls about aviation and aerospace careers while connecting them with mentors and peers who share their passion.

• Air Academy Camperships are financial grants that help students attend EAA Air Academy aviation camps in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. These camperships make it easier for young aviation enthusiasts (ages 14–18) to participate in hands-on aviation learning experiences—including expert instruction, activities, and lodging—by helping offset the cost of tuition and camp fees. To be eligible, students must first be accepted into an Air Academy program before applying for a campership.

• Girls on the Fly is a free, one-day aviation event for girls in grades 6–12 that introduces them to aviation as a hobby and potential career. Participants get hands-on experiences with aviation technology, flight simulators, RC aircraft building, and more, plus the chance to meet women who love aviation and even enjoy Young Eagles flights when weather allows.

• New Beginnings Aerospace Ministry (NBAM): Actively engages at-risk students, low-income students, and young people of color to the fields of aeronautics utilizing STEM curriculum at Timmerman and Waukesha County airports.