Program overview

EAA Chapter 105 administers youth aviation training scholarships for individuals in the greater Portland-Vancouver area. The program assists young people in pursuing flight training and advancing their aviation skills. Scholarship availability varies each year, and demand consistently exceeds supply.

Eligibility requirements

General eligibility

• Residents of the local area, primarily the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area
• First-time and prior scholarship recipients may apply
• Selected applicants will be asked to attend an in-person interview near Hillsboro, Oregon
• Recipients must actively participate in EAA Chapter 105 community events

Who is not eligible

The children and grandchildren of Chapter directors, Bogardus trustees, directed-fund donors, and scholarship selection team members (as well as members of these groups) are not eligible to receive awards. Relationships are determined based on the scholarship award date.

How to apply

Applications are accepted year-round through this portal. Applicants must prepare and submit their own applications. The process is designed to allow and encourage the scholarship candidate to demonstrate individual maturity, initiative, organization, and drive.

Required application package

1. A personal autobiography describing your background
2. Contact information and date of birth
3. A one- to two-page narrative essay about your aviation interest, commitment, and future plans
4. Three letters of recommendation from adults who are not your family members
5. A parent or guardian permission letter (if you are under 18)

Applications are retained for one year. Applicants who have previously received a scholarship through this program must submit a new application each year, with current recommendations and updated information. At times we are able to offer follow-on scholarship grants in the same year as the original reward. In those cases, scholarship recipients are required to submit an updated training plan and answer a series of questions; their flight instructor must also submit a recommendation form. Follow-on scholarships are not guaranteed, and recipients may not submit invoices for payment for scholarship funds that have not yet been awarded.

How recipients are selected

The committee considers prior aviation activities and experience, Young Eagles program participation (flying and volunteering), the quality of the applicant's training plan and the research that went into it, evidence of seriousness and personal investment, specific aviation goals, community involvement, and demonstrated commitment to aviation. Financial need is not required, but may be considered along with the other criteria.

1. The committee reviews written applications, generally within two to four weeks of submission.
2. Selected applicants are invited to participate in an interview, suring which we discuss your application and assess commitment.
3. The committee meets to select award recipients.
4. Each applicant is updates on their final status by email.

Scholarship awards

Scholarship awards vary in dollar amount. They may be applied to introductory or advanced training, and toward any approved certificate or rating. Scholarship recipients and their flight instructors will be required to submit a written training plan once the scholarship is awarded in order to be eligible to use the funds. Approved training may take place at Starks Twin Oaks or another approved flight school.

Eligible uses

• Hourly aircraft rental for flight training
• Hourly flight instructor fees
• Other charges are not generally allowed and must receive prior approval

EAA Chapter 105 pays the flight school or instructor after training activity occurs, based on itemized training invoices that the scholar must submit via this portal. Note that the program does not pay out award funds in advance.

Terms and conditions

1. Scholarships are non-transferable and may be used only by the recipient.
2. Payments will be made directly to the approved providers unless prior arrangements are made and approved.
3. Flights conducted mainly to accumulate hours are generally not allowed.
4. Recipients must forward a copy of their scholarship award email/letter to the flight school and instructor.
5. Funds cover only training completed during the valid scholarship period, and cannot be used to pay prior balances or charges incurred outside the effective dates of the award.
6. Unused funds expire at the end of the award period or upon completion of the approved training, whichever comes first, and cannot be "banked" for later.
7. Unless otherwise specified, scholarship grants expire one year following the effective award date.
8. Your training plan must be submitted within the first four lessons for all private or sport pilot students, and before training begins for all add-on certificates and ratings.
9. Plan changes require approval of the scholarship program directors.

Funding

Scholarship award funds are supported by various private donors and charitable organizations, the George and Lillian Bogardus Memorial Trust, designated EAA Chapter 105 funds, and partner organizations.

Questions

Send the scholarship team a message.

Training and scholarship resources

• Starks Twin Oaks, the chapter's home airport, offers single- and multi-engine aircraft rentals and flight training.
• Several other local training options are also available.
• Applicants may also wish to research scholarships offered by EAA, AOPA, and other organizations.