~  Scholarship Corner  ~

 

By Chris Nugent

It’s hard to believe that 2021 has gone so quickly, but we are fast approaching another APA scholarship program cycle. The deadline for applications for scholarships for the 2022 academic year is 31 October 2021. You may recall that we moved it out several weeks into November last year to account for all the disruption caused by the pandemic. However, it seems that both high school and college classes are getting underway pretty much as scheduled this year, so we’ve reverted to our traditional October deadline.

You may also recall that we transitioned to an online application tool last year that has streamlined the application process for both the applicant and scholarship committee. It worked very well and helped us manage a record number of applications much more effectively.

I would encourage those of you that are talking to students about the APA scholarship program or considering applying to visit azpilots.org and check out the Scholarship Program page under “Pilot Resources.” This page provides all program information and includes:

  • Scholarship Program Overview – there is a narrated presentation at the top of this page that provides an overview of the program and details for completing the application
  • Scholarship Application – the application link will take you directly to the online application form for completion and uploading of required documents (cover letter, transcripts, and letters of recommendation)

I also encourage any applicant that has questions on the process to reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for help. We’re happy to help and want to ensure that each application is submitted successfully before the deadline.

scholarship corner july 2021

This is also the time of year that we start our information sessions with the schools and colleges to get the word out regarding the APA program. In prior years, we have done these sessions in person, but as you might expect, we were forced to go to virtual sessions in 2021 because of the pandemic. While it’s always exciting to talk to the students and teachers in person, the online sessions have worked well and allowed us to reach a broader audience since it’s easier to schedule multiple sessions. 

  • We have also worked to broaden the number of Arizona colleges and universities with aviation programs that we engage in these sessions to ensure their students are aware of the resource the APA scholarship program provides. This includes:
  • Cochise College – Douglas, AZ (Professional Pilot, ATC programs)
  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott, AZ (Professional Pilot and other aviation-related degree programs)
  • Pima Community College – Tucson, AZ (Aviation Maintenance Technology programs)
  • Yavapai Community College – Prescott, AZ (Professional Pilot programs)
  • Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ (Professional Pilot, Aviation Management Programs)

We’ll keep you posted on our progress and thank you for your continued support of the program. It’s an important part of APA’s mission and commitment to ensuring the future of general aviation in Arizona.

Stay healthy and fly safe.

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