Model Aviation and Engineering

College scholarships of $500 to $15,000 for model aviators and eligible aerospace-engineering students, with $49,500 awarded in 2026.

Application briefing Closed for this cycle
Award
$500 to $15,000, depending on the named award
Deadline
February 2, 2026
Best for
Model aviators entering or attending college, including eligible aerospace-engineering students
Geographic eligibility
United States; AMA and named-award requirements apply
Number of awards
12 students received awards in 2026
Total program funding
$49,500 awarded in 2026
Membership
AMA participation or membership requirements vary by award
Application cycle
Annual

FlightSchoolList summarizes the program for planning. The sponsor's current rules and application always control.

View official application

About this opportunity

The Academy of Model Aeronautics Foundation has supported young model aviators pursuing higher education since 1970. Its annual portfolio combines the Charles H. Grant awards with named scholarships for competition, engineering, leadership, and sustained involvement in model aviation.

Who can apply

Eligibility varies by named award and may include graduating high-school seniors or current post-secondary students. Selection considers academic performance, community involvement, model-flying experience, competition participation, and award-specific engineering or AMA activity requirements.

What the award may cover

The Foundation's named scholarships provide college financial assistance for students active in model aviation, including awards connected to aerospace engineering, competition, leadership, and long-term participation in the hobby.

How to apply

Use the AMA Foundation scholarship portal during the annual window and submit academic, model-aviation, community, competition, and award-specific information by the deadline.

  • Verify the current deadline and every eligibility requirement.
  • Confirm how funds are paid and when they must be used.
  • Prepare transcripts, certificates, logbook totals, references, and essays early.
  • Save the confirmation and a complete copy of your submission.

Selection and application notes

The AMA Scholarship Committee ranks applications using GPA, community involvement, model-flying experience, competition participation, and the additional criteria of each named award.

Planning tip: Document model-aviation activity in detail and review every named award; engineering study, competitive flying, and specific AMA participation can qualify an applicant for additional funding.