As part of its commitment to the celebration of model aviation, the Academy of Model Aeronautics has always strongly believed that not only is our hobby fun and rewarding personally, but also offers an exciting path to a career in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and even the arts.
To support this pathway, the AMA Foundation makes several academic scholarships available every year. To date, the AMA has distributed over $1.3 million to scholarship recipients nationwide!
Whether college is the next chapter in your academic journey or one you are currently in the middle of, the AMA wants to invest in both your future and the future of our shared passion.
New Scholarships Created:
Many of our members understand the value that model aviation pursuits provide. We recently had the pleasure of speaking to two AMA members from the Planesmen RC Club who share these values of supporting future generations. Bob Grove and Frank Jozwiak traveled from Oklahoma and Texas to meet AMA staff with the goal of developing two scholarship opportunities through a generous donation.
Through his involvement in model aviation, Bob learned skills like precision and hard work that helped him in his military aviation endeavors where he flew the Bell HA-1 Cobra attack helicopter. After his military service, He then became an engineer where those same lessons served him well. Frank credits his career with experiences with control line and RC standing side-by-side with his father as a youth. Both Bob and Frank went on to pursue competition through SAM, the Society of Antique Modelers.
Leaning on their experiences within model aviation, their successful aviation related careers, and the wishes of their fellow club members, the AMA Foundation has formed two new scholarship opportunities. The focus of these funds goes towards two specific recipients. First, a $5,000 scholarship towards those seeking out an aerospace engineering degree. And secondly, $2,500 to a student who is pursuing their Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP) certification.
These club leaders came together after selling club property that was no longer suitable as a flying site. the proceeds from this sale will create a brighter future for those starting their careers. You can learn more about the Planesmen from Bob and Frank by clicking here.
You can apply for any of the following for which you are eligible:
- The Cliff & Nancy Telford Scholarship award ($5,000 value) is given annually to the individual with the best competitive record, based on participation in activities within the AMA and FAI classifications. All students both graduating high school seniors and currently enrolled post-secondary students are invited to apply.
- The Planesmen Aerospace Engineering Degree Scholarship ($5,000) is given to an applicant graduating from high school in the year in which the award is granted or currently enrolled at an accredited university attending a school of engineering.
- The Planesmen Aircraft Technician/Maintenance Program (ATP/AMP) Scholarship ($2,500)is granted to an applicant attending an accredited ATP/AMP school. The applicant must be seeking education in ATP/AMP, Airframe and Powerplant, or Avionics Technician.
If you are a graduating high school senior:
- The Ryan M. Sherrow Memorial Scholarship ($500 value) is based on a graduating high school senior’s overall involvement in the hobby of model aviation.
- The Charles H. Grant Scholarship ($500-8000 value) is awarded based on seceral important criteria. All facets of an applicant's background are taken into consideration. A well-rounded applicant may be more qualified than one who excels only in one aspect. This scholarship is awarded to mulitple applicants annually.
If you are a currently enrolled as a post secondary student:
- The Basil & Dorothy Cooper Memorial Scholarship ($500 value) is given annually to an individual applicant.
