Aviation Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Montana Aeronautics Division
Introduction
Montana benefits from the generosity of individuals and organizations that fund scholarships supporting aviation training and education. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) Aeronautics Division assists in connecting these scholarships with eligible applicants and strongly encourages anyone pursuing aeronautics training to apply. Awards are intended to offset educational expenses such as flight instruction and airframe & powerplant (A&P) mechanic training. Scholarship recipients will be announced in January 2026. Presentation of awards will take place at noon on February 27, 2026, during the Montana Aviation Conference in Missoula. Each winner will receive complimentary conference registration and a free Friday lunch (sponsored by the Aviation Organizations of Montana) for themselves and up to two guests.
Eligibility and General Requirements
- Applicants must be Montana residents.
- All applications must be completed and submitted online; mailed, emailed, or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
- You must submit a separate application for every scholarship you wish to be considered for; tailor each application to the specific scholarship when possible.
- The Montana Ninety-Nines scholarships are reimbursement awards only — recipients must submit eligible receipts within 12 months of the award date to receive reimbursement up to the awarded amount.
- The EAA Chapter 344 scholarship will be paid directly to Helena College.
How to Apply
1. Visit the Funding Opportunity Details page on MT Grants + Loans and click Apply.
2. Select Citizen Login. You will be prompted to sign in to an Okta account to continue. To create a new Okta account, click Citizen Login and then Sign up.
3. After signing in, review each scholarship’s criteria and choose the one you wish to apply for. Each submission may be for only one scholarship; repeat the application process to apply for multiple scholarships.
Available Scholarships (amounts and primary intent)
- 38 North Aviation, LLC Aviation Training Scholarship — $2,000
Helps offset costs of flight instruction for pilot ratings, certificates, endorsements, or A&P mechanic school.
- Aerotronics Maintenance Training — Avionics Technician Scholarship — $2,000
Supports aircraft mechanic certification costs. Preference given to applicants aiming for a career as an avionics technician.
- Aviation Organizations of Montana (AOM) Flight Training Scholarship — $2,000
Financial assistance for a student pilot pursuing FAA certificates.
- Aviation Organizations of Montana (AOM) Aircraft Mechanic Scholarship — $2,000
Financial assistance for a student aircraft mechanic pursuing FAA certifications.
- Brett Thoft Memorial Foundation Scholarship — three awards of $2,500 each
Three recipients will be selected in memory of pilot Brett Thoft. Awards are given to applicants who best demonstrate financial need, present a financial plan of action, and submit a detailed outline of their aviation goals.
- Briar Creek Scholarship — $4,000
Open to an active student or pilot with a strong interest in aviation who is pursuing advanced flight training or a career in aviation.
- EAA Chapter 344 A&P Training Scholarship — $500
Awarded toward Helena College’s A&P program. Applicant must be currently enrolled at Helena College in the A&P program (first or second year). Funds are paid directly to Helena College.
- Edwards Jet Center Scholarship — $2,000
Offered by Edwards Jet Center (Logan International Airport, Billings) to help with flight instruction or A&P mechanic training costs.
- Montana Ninety-Nines Scholarship — two awards of $2,500 each
Available to qualified female applicants passionate about aviation. Scholarship funds must be used within 12 months of the award date.
- Montana Pilots Association — Arlin Wass Memorial Maintenance Technician Scholarship — $2,000
For aviation mechanic training. Applicants should provide a financial plan for achieving mechanic certifications and explain how becoming a certified A&P will benefit aviation in Montana.
- Montana Pilots Association — Aviation Maintenance Scholarship — $2,000
For aviation mechanic training.
- Montana Pilots Association — Central Montana Flight Training Scholarship — $4,000
For an active pilot seeking advanced flight training or pursuing an aviation career.
- Montana Pilots Association — Junior Pilot Scholarship — $4,000
Awarded to a candidate demonstrating strong interest in aviation, community citizenship, and academic achievement. Applicant must have previously soloed. Preference is given to younger applicants who are new pilots or pursuing aviation as a career.
- Montana Pilots Association — Mike Ferguson Flight Training Scholarship — $4,000
For an active pilot pursuing advanced flight training or a career in aviation.
- Ridgeline Aviation Flight Training Scholarship — $2,000
Assists with flight instruction costs for ratings, certificates, or endorsements. Preference is given to applicants who train at a Ridgeline Aviation location.
- Theresa (Nistler) Colley Flight Scholarship — $2,000
Sponsored by the Nistler family in memory of Theresa Colley, who was working toward her private pilot certificate. Awarded to a student pilot actively working toward a private pilot certificate.
Note
Additional scholarship opportunities may be added; check the MDT Aeronautics Division website or the Grants + Loans portal regularly for updates and the most current list of available awards.