2025 season: January 1st, 2025 to March 1st, 2025
selection process
how to create a competitive application
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Thoroughly Understand Scholarship Criteria: Take time to understand the specific criteria for the scholarship. This might include academic achievements, involvement in the field of aviation, contributions to the Alaskan community, or other specific requirements.
Highlight Your Passion and Interest: Clearly express your genuine passion or new found interest for Aviation. Discuss experiences or moments that ignited your interest in this field and how this scholarship could further your goals. However, it is not only passion for aviation that makes a great application. Passion and dedication to any area of interest in your life is valuable to the selection committee. Write about a time that you overcame an obstacle or achieved something great in any area of your life.
Community Involvement: Highlight any involvement or initiatives you've undertaken within the Alaskan Aviation community. This could be volunteering, participating in the Association's events and activities, or contributing to projects related to aviation's betterment in Alaska. If you attended or volunteered at this year's Gathering, let us know and share your experience.
Academic and Extracurricular Achievements: Showcase your academic achievements and how they align with your interest in aviation. Also, highlight any extracurricular activities, internships, or projects you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment and skill in the field of aviation or another area where you excel.
Strong Recommendations: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from mentors, teachers, or professionals in the aviation field who can speak to your dedication, skills, and potential in the industry. If you have yet to embark on your aviation training, choose a mentor from another area where you excel.
Write a Compelling Answer: Craft a compelling answer that not only explains your interest in aviation but also ties it to the Alaskan community. Explain how receiving this scholarship would enable you to make a more significant impact in Alaskan Aviation. Expanding within your writing is strongly recommended but not required.
Complete and Organize Application Materials: Ensure that all application materials, including essays, transcripts, recommendation letters, and any supplementary documents, are well-organized and submitted according to the scholarship's guidelines.
Follow Instructions and Deadlines: Adhere strictly to the application instructions and deadlines provided by the scholarship committee. Missing deadlines or failing to follow instructions can significantly impact your chances, regardless of your qualifications.
Remember, the scholarship selection process often involves a committee that evaluates applicants based on a holistic view, taking into account not just academic achievements but also personal attributes, dedication, and potential contributions to the field of interest. The committee wants to see evidence of commitment and resilience. That could mean stories of athletic achievement, overcoming obstacles in your personal life, or developing a challenging skill. The more you can share about who you are will help the committee determine if you can be successful in your aviation pursuits.
Writing more is not required but we recommend a few paragraphs be written when applicable. Therefore, presenting a well-rounded and passionate portrayal of your commitment to Alaskan Aviation is crucial in enhancing your chances of obtaining the scholarship.
Past Recipients
“Around five years ago, I left my hometown of Anchorage behind without a clear vision of where I wanted to specialize. Having tried my hand at a variety of skills and crawled my way through clunky pandemic-era curriculum, I realized that I need a career that incorporates intellectual and hands-on problem solving in equal measure. If my foray into aircraft maintenance is any indication, I found exactly what I was looking for — a significant step towards being “the girl who can fix anything”. When my year of intensive training is complete, I hope there will be a space for me in the place I left all those years ago. I can’t imagine something more rewarding than belonging to a field that needs me as much as I need it.”
"Hi, my name is Nelliann, I am from Tuntutuliak, AK located southwest 30 miles from Bethel Alaska. I received my Private Pilot license recently and now continuing to pursue my Instrument rating all the way to Commercial rating. Being from a small village and also a Native Yupik pilot is something unspeakably inspirational for me. Knowing that I am making a difference for the younger generation is incredible and I hope they follow their dreams just as I am. I would like to thank the Alaska Airmen’s Association for allowing me to finish my Private Pilot license through the scholarship! I am truly thankful and hope your organization grows over the years!"