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 2026, EAA Chapter 640 is once again sponsoring TWO local scholars by covering half of each scholarship in house.
Will you be our next Ray Aviation Scholar?
Applications for the 2026 EAA 640 Ray Scholarship are open now through January 31, 2026. Apply here.
​To preview the questions click here.
Applications are turned in to EAA Chapter 640 Scholarship Coordinator, Rande Paquin-Stanton via the online form here - https://forms.gle/aJ47dXbn3N4ZDNEP6
Candidate interviews are expected to take place in February with a decision anticipated by March 1.
SCHOLARSHIP Committee
Board Members: Pete Kanikula, Rande Paquin-Stanton
Members at Large: Brad Lewitzke, Valerie Swanborg, Kurt Mehre, Josh Smith, Jacob Buemi
SCHOLARSHIP coordinator
Rande Paquin-Stanton
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
Local candidates must meet the following criteria:
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Applicants must be 16-19 years old.
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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 the online form. For questions, email rande@eaa640.com