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 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 may 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

Chapter directors, their children or grandchildren, Bogardus trustees, directed-fund donors, and scholarship selection team members cannot receive awards. Relationships are determined at the grant 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 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 non-family adults
5. A parent or guardian permission letter if you are under 18

Applications are retained for one year. Reapplicants must submit a new application with current recommendations and updated information.

How recipients are selected

The committee considers prior aviation activities and experience, Young Eagles participation, the quality of the applicant's training research and plan, 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 among the other criteria.

1. The committee reviews written applications in batches.
2. Selected applicants are invited to in-person interviews.
3. The interview panel discusses the application and assesses commitment.
4. The committee meets to select award recipients.
5. Every applicant receives 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 allowed certificate or rating. Scholarship recipients and their flight instructors will be required to submit a training plan when the scholarship is awarded. Approved training may take place at Starks Twin Oaks or another approved flight school.

Eligible uses

• Aircraft rental for flight training
• Flight instructor fees for required training
• Limited training-related fees, such as FAA tests, with prior approval

EAA Chapter 105 pays the flight school or instructor after training occurs, based on itemized invoices. Awards are not paid in advance to recipients or providers.

Terms and conditions

1. The scholarship is non-transferable and may be used only by the recipient.
2. Payment must be made directly to the approved provider unless prior arrangements are made and approved.
3. Flights conducted mainly to accumulate hours are generally not allowed. Rare exceptions require specific detail in a training plan written by the student's flight instructor and pre-approved by the scholarship coordinator.
4. Recipients must forward a copy of their scholarship email/letter to the flight school or instructor.
5. Funds cover only that training completed during the valid scholarship period, and cannot be used to pay prior balances.
6. Unused funds expire at the end of the award period or upon completion of the approved training and cannot be "banked."
7. Grants expire one year following the eligible award date.
8. A training plan must be submitted within the first 4 flights for private or sport pilot students, and before training begins for all add-on certificates and ratings.
9. Plan changes require scholarship program administrator approval.

Funding

Awards are supported by private donors and charitable organizations, the George and Lillian Bogardus Memorial Trust, designated EAA Chapter 105 funds, and occasional 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 rentals and flight training.
• Several other local training options are also available.
• Applicants may also wish to research scholarships offered by EAA, AOPA, and the other organizations.