The foundation for the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading represents more than 4,100 individual and corporate members spanning aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, finance and insurance, and offers scholarships up to $10,000 per year to students having completed at least two years at an accredited university and based on both academic merit and financial need. Last year the ISTAT Foundation awarded $345,000, and since 1983 has awarded more than $2.2 million to 293 students in 21 countries. The foundation also awards individual internships with its member companies, and grants to organizations of up to $10,000 to “advance commercial aviation,” for example, through public outreach.

Students enrolled in an FAA-approved or licensed air traffic control program, aviation-related course of study, or are a family member of an ATC specialist, may qualify for scholarships in four categories funded by members of ATCA. Full time employees can also use the funds to enroll in advanced study to improve their skills.

The Aircraft Distributors and Manufacturers Association assists at least four college students each year pursuing studies in airframe and powerplant (A&P) or aviation management using contributions from more than 60 organizations in the aviation market.

The National Business Aviation Association manages educational programs for a diverse membership representing every aspect of the aviation business from ownership to operations and regulation to maintenance. Its main scholarship page lists 14 scholarships for undergraduate students and trade-school attendees worth $100,000, with another $100,000 set aside for professionals to advance their career skills.

The Naval Helicopter Association uses financial contributions and in-kind support from its corporate sponsors Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, L3 Communications, Sikorsky, Northrop Grumman, and CAE, to help both active duty and retired military family pursue higher education. Most of the 20 awards do not require a focus in aviation and the funds are for both undergraduate and graduate studies.

The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame offers seven or more scholarships for residents of Wisconsin enrolled full time in an aviation or aerospace program at a college or trade school. Some awards are based on academic strength while others are simply assessed on “a passion for aviation.”

Since 1977, the Women’s Transportation Seminar has provided a networking forum for women in the transportation field with a focus on aviation, and offers eight categories of awards covering tuition fees, conference registrations. Some of its criteria emphasize sustainability, land use, and environmental impact of transportation. Funded by donations from its 6,500 members, WTS has given away $50,000 in scholarships.

This professional association for aviation education sets quality standards and lobbies on behalf of educators. The association sells a Collegiate Aviation Scholarship listing of 700 awards from 94 institutions broadly related to aviation for $24.95 but also lists several scholarship opportunities at no charge directly on its web page.