Aerium Student Scholarship Program

Purpose: Support passionate, driven students pursuing careers in aviation, aerospace, and related fields.

Geographic Scope: Pennsylvania residents only

Focus Areas:

• Pilot training
• Aerospace engineering
• Drone technology
• Aviation maintenance
• Avionics
• Other aviation-related fields

Eligibility

• Age: Must be 16 years old as of January 31, 2026
• Residency: Must provide evidence of being a PA resident as of January 31, 2026
• Student Status: One of the following:
  • Current high school students (as of January 31, 2026) graduating before September 1, 2026
  • Postsecondary students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree, enrolled in accredited postsecondary institutions in an aviation-related program
• Fund Expiration: Funding must be fully expended no later than December 31, 2027

Scholarship Amounts and Uses

• Amount: Up to $4,000 (subject to change)
• Permitted Uses:
  • Accredited postsecondary aviation-related programs leading to a certificate or degree (pilot, drone pilot, aviation maintenance technician, avionics technician)
  • Flight training at a Pennsylvania FAA-approved part 61 or 141 flight training program not part of a collegiate degree or certificate program

Selection Criteria

• All required application components must be submitted by closing date
• Competitive holistic selection process
• Academic achievement
• Extracurricular/work/volunteer experiences
• Demonstrated interest in giving back to aviation community (as expressed in essay)

Timeline

• Review Period: February and March 2026

Note: The 2025-2026 application cycle has closed.

Step 1: Access Application

• Online submission at https://aerium.org/apply (opens October 6, 2025)
• Save Draft option available (up to 30 days)
• Recommended: Copy application link or enter email to receive it

Step 2: Complete Application Form

Provide the following information:

Applicant Contact Information:

• First name, middle name, last name, suffix
• Street address, apartment/suite number
• City, state/province, ZIP code
• Country
• Date of birth
• Email address
• Phone number
• Preferred method of contact (phone or email)

Residency Attestation:

• Check box attesting to Pennsylvania residency

Education Background:

• Current enrollment status (Yes/No)
• If enrolled:
  • Current school/institution name, city, state
  • Current grade level or year
  • Field of study/major
  • Expected graduation date
  • Cumulative GPA to date
  • Other schools attended
• If not enrolled:
  • Most recent school/institution name, city, state
  • Most recent grade level or year
  • Cumulative GPA
  • Field of study or major
  • Graduation status and date
  • Degree/certificate/diploma earned
  • Other schools attended

Aviation Interests & Goals:

• Career goal in aviation field (required)
• Current enrollment in aviation-related programs (if yes, specify program and how it helps achieve goals)
• What inspired pursuit of aviation career (required)

Certifications & Experience:

• List any FAA or aviation-industry-specific certifications (with type, number if available, and dates)
• Describe aviation-related experience (internships, flight hours, jobs, volunteering)

Financial Need:

• List any other scholarships or financial aid applied for or received
• Brief explanation of why financial assistance is important

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

All three of the following documents are REQUIRED (incomplete applications will not be considered):

1. 500-Word Essay (MS Word, PDF, TXT, image, or Google Docs format)
   • Address ALL THREE topics:
   • Why you are passionate about aviation
   • How this scholarship will help you achieve your goals
   • How you plan to contribute to the aviation community in the future
2. Resume (one page maximum)
   • Format: MS Word, PDF, image, or Google Docs
3. Letter of Recommendation (MS Word, PDF, or image format)
   • From a teacher, mentor, or employer
   • Must attest to character, work ethic, and commitment to aviation
   • Must include: recommender's name, corporate/institutional affiliation, address, phone number, email address, and signature
4. Evidence of PA Residency
   • Scan or photo of PA driver's license, PA photo ID, or letter from school attesting to PA residency
   • Format: JPG, PNG, or PDF

Step 4: Submit Optional Documents (if available)

• Copy of most recent transcript
• Proof of enrollment in aviation-related program
• Copies of aviation certifications

Step 5: Submit Application

• Click Submit button
• Or Save as Draft to complete later

Important Notes

• Upload fields won't be saved and must be filled out before submitting
• Keep confirmation link or email sent to you
• All submissions must be received by January 31, 2026, 11:59:00 PM ET
• Applications reviewed in February and March 2026