Scholarships
We're inspired by our Scholars!
Our 2023 Scholar
Anthony Bulawa
Each year, EAA awards scholarships to many fortunate young men and women across the United States, to pursue their dreams of becoming a pilot. This year EAA Chapter 839 is proud to afford Anthony the honor of receiving such an award.
Anthony is 17 years old, home schooled, and is a bright young man. He is very active in our Chapter, participates in our monthly meetings, aircraft builds, summer fund raising events, outings, and supports the Chapter whenever called upon.
Anthony is enthusiastic about aviation and aspires to be a professional pilot. He is involved in the arts, is currently enrolled in the professional pilot program at the local community college, and has started his practical flight training this spring. He plans on applying to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for Engineering in Florida for the 2024-25 acedemic year.
The members of Chapter 839 strive to be models of inspiration for our junior members. In this case we find ourselves inspired by Anthony, for his accomplishments, and his outstanding character.
We wish Anthony the very best of luck in his training, and that he shares the same excitement we all experienced during those early days at the flight controls.
Fly Anthony...Fly...
Scholar Eligibility and Requirements
The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship is a scholarship program that is funded by the Ray Foundation, managed by EAA, and administered through the EAA Chapter network. Through the generous support of the Ray Foundation, EAA provides up to $11,000 to deserving youths to help cover their flight training expenses, totaling $1,800,000 in annual scholarship funding.
Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund applicants are the most engaged, excited, and motivated aspiring pilots the chapter has had the pleasure of meeting. EAA Chapter 839 will vet local youths to help bring forward the most deserving candidate in the area.
Local candidates must meet the following criteria:
Minimum of age 15 for glider training
Age 16-19 for powered flight training
Possession of a student pilot certificate
Possession of FAA medical certificate (private pilot students)
Be able to begin their flight training within 60 days of receiving the award
Additional consideration will be given to candidates who are former Young Eagles, EAA student members, and actively participating in the EAA Flight Plan, specifically the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course. The candidate must be active in our local Chapter and demonstrate an eagerness to participate in Chapter events and activities.
Once selected by the chapter, the candidate will also be screened by EAA through an application process. If approved by EAA, the scholarship recipient will have to comply with the following requirements:
Partake in two hours of chapter volunteer service per month, such as:
Young Eagles rally volunteering.
Volunteer at pancake breakfast/fly-ins
Chapter build project support
Chapter gathering participation
Chapter social media and website maintenance
Submit regular progress reports during monthly check-ins
Reach designated flight training milestones, as outlined by EAA's training timeline
EAA Chapter 839 awards one Ray Scholarship per year. Applicants are required to submit an application to the Scholarship Coordinator in January of the year for which they anticipate starting flight training.
Contact us HERE for more information regarding the Ray Scholarship.