Ray aviation
scholarship
Through the generous support of the Ray Foundation, EAA provides up to $12,000 to deserving youths to help cover their flight training expenses, totaling $1,800,000 in annual scholarship funding.
In 2025, EAA Chapter 640 is sponsoring TWO scholars by covering half of each scholarship in house.
Will you be our next Ray Aviation Scholar?
Apply now for the EAA 640 Ray Scholarship - applications for 2025 close March 31.
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
REQUIREMENTS
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Applicants must be at least 16 years old before May 1, 2025, and no older than 19 on September 15, 2025.
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Applicants must demonstrate not only an interest but a passion for aviation and eagerness to obtain a Private Pilot certificate and demonstrate that determination and commitment to follow the program to completion.
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Have or obtain a valid FAA Medical
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Have or obtain a FAA Student Pilot Certificate (strongly encouraged prior to application, required after acceptance)
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Partake in a minimum of two hours of chapter volunteer service per month
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Submit regular progress reports during monthly check-ins (in person at gatherings strongly encouraged)
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Reach designated flight training milestones, as outlined by EAA's training timeline:
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Start Training within 2 months of EAA International approval
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Solo within 3 months of the award
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Pass Written Knowledge Test within 6 months of starting *strongly encouraged sooner
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Pass Practical Flight Test for appropriate license within 12 months of award
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Additional Consideration
Additional consideration will be given to candidates who are former Young Eagles, EAA student members, and actively participating in the EAA Flight Plan, specifically the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course.
Active local participation and EAA Chapter student membership is a great way to show your interest and commitment!
Funding is dependent upon completion of meeting training milestones and submitting progress reports in a timely manner. Failure to meet milestone deadlines may result in the discontinuance of the award and money owed.
Commitment
Top chapter selections will be scheduled for in person interviews. Selected candidates will then be screened by EAA through an application process. If approved by EAA, the scholarship recipient will have to comply with the following requirements:
Partake a minimum of two hours of chapter volunteer service per month, such as:​
Submit regular progress reports during monthly check-ins
Reach designated flight training milestones, as outlined by EAA's training timeline
Submission
Applications should be submitted via email to rayscholars@eaa640.com or directly and only to Chapter Secretary Jessica Schaefer. Please do not hand or email entries to other chapter members. Entries will have personally identifying information removed before being given to the scholarship committee.