Congratulations to recipients and best wishes for achieving your aviation goals!

We granted a total of $14,200 in chapter scholarships including two Air Academy full tuition scholarships.  This includes our chapter’s $5000 match to guarantee receiving a 2020 Ray Scholarship grant.  Meet the Recipients! (PDF file)

Chapter Scholarships

Jacob Edington
Jesus Perez
Madison Thompson
Sophie Haag

2020 Ray Aviation Scholars

Sophie Haag
Jacob Edington

EAA Air Academy Scholarship Recipients – rescheduled for 2021

Scott  Morgan
Nicholas Romo

Want to Contribute?  DONATE TODAY!  We appreciate donations of any amount to our main scholarship fund, the Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship, or Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship. Chapter 179 is a 501c(3) tax exempt charitable organization.  Donate online or send a check to “EAA  179 Scholarship”; P.O. Box 3583; Albuquerque, NM 87190.

EAA Chapter 179 qualified for participation in EAA’s Ray Aviation Scholarship program for the past five years (2019–2023), enabling us to support flight students through their Private Pilot check ride.  We were awarded our 7th Ray Scholarship in 2023.  Candidates must be a student pilot age 15-19 who aspires to earn a Private Pilot certificate within the coming year.

Ray Scholars now may receive up to $11,000 to be used for flight training expenses, whether pursuing flying as a career or hobby. In addition, recipients receive mentoring, support, and progress monitoring to ensure successful completion of flight training within the required 12 months. Recipients are expected to participate in Chapter activities, provide regular reports on progress, and achieve stringent flight training milestones.

The Chapter identifies candidates for the Ray Scholarship from among youth who are energetically engaged in aviation activities such as enrolled in or completed aviation education courses, who participate in local aviation related organizations, who are enthusiastic to become a pilot and who can make it a priority. Ray Scholarship recipients are typically selected from Chapter 179 Scholarship applicants or may be nominated by Chapter members.

For additional information on the national EAA Ray Aviation Scholar program, see EAA’s info for chapters:  Scholar Eligibility and Requirements (eaa.org)

2022 EAA 179 Ray Scholarship Recipients – New Pilots!

For 2022, the Chapter selected two aspiring pilots to receive EAA 179 Ray Scholarships. Read their accomplishments here.

Mia Alderete

Veronica Bearup

Questions? Email us: Chapter@eaa179.org

Like what you see?  DONATE TODAY! We appreciate donations of any amount to our main scholarship fund, the Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship, or Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship funds. Chapter 179 is a 501c(3) tax exempt charitable organization.   Donate online or send a check to “EAA 179 Scholarship; Double Eagle II Airport, 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW #179, Albuquerque, NM 87120-6601”.

EAA Chapter 179 supports a full tuition scholarship to attend the EAA Advanced Air Academy in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. If you are interested in any of EAA’s Air Academies, let us know at chapter@eaa179.org.

The weeklong Air Academy provides an atmosphere for mature students to become totally immersed in the world of flight while housed at the EAA’s Air Academy Lodge. Ground instruction and introductory recreation flight experiences highlight this meaningful, action-packed week. It combines “in-the-air” and “on-the-ground” hands-on activities. Attendees also have an opportunity to experience EAA’s AirVenture.

An important criterion is the applicant’s commitment to pursuing aviation. An application that describes personal accomplishments or work-in-progress assist the committee selection. For example, for those with a goal of becoming a pilot, EAA offers a guide for attaining a pilot certificate (“Pilot Training Steps“); progress on such activities may demonstrate commitment. 

NOTE:  Additional Air Academies are conducted all summer in Oshkosh for various age groups (Young Eagles, Basic, and Advanced) and one can apply directly for EAA national scholarships.  All the details at:  EAA Air Academy.

APPLY BY Feb 15:   If you are age 16, 17, or 18 and interested in attending EAA Advanced Air Academy, apply for the EAA 179 Chapter Scholarship and indicate “tuition for the EAA Air Academy” for your intended use of funds. Recipient is responsible for providing transportation to Oshkosh and return. Assistance to cover travel may be available via separate scholarship application to EAA HQ.

Questions? Email us at: chapter@eaa179.org

DONATE TODAY!  We encourage donations of any amount to our main scholarship fund, the Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship, or Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship. Chapter 179 is a 501c(3) tax exempt charitable organization.  Donate online or send a check to “EAA 179 Scholarship; Double Eagle II Airport, 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW #179, Albuquerque, NM 87120-6601”.

Albuquerque Chapter 179 of the Experimental Aircraft Association awards scholarships annually to candidates pursuing aviation education including flight training, A&P certification, or other activities for applicants intent on entering an aviation-related occupation. Applicants must be 15 to 25 years of age and residents of New Mexico. The amount and number of grants are determined each year and contingent on available funding.

To qualify, you must:

• Be 25 years of age or less and a resident of New Mexico.
• Describe your interest in aviation and your future including your aviation goal(s), how much ($) you are requesting, specific justification for how it will be spent, any connections to EAA Chapter 179, any aviation experience and achievements, and how you will give back to the community after reaching your goals.
• Provide a copy of an unofficial school transcript.
• Provide at least one reference letter (no more than three) from someone other than a family member who is familiar with your motivation, ability, and potential regarding aviation.

An important criteria is the applicant’s commitment to pursuing aviation. An application that describes personal accomplishments or work-in-progress assist the committee selection. For example, for those with a goal of becoming a pilot, EAA offers a guide for attaining a pilot certificate (“Pilot Training Steps“); progress on such activities may demonstrate commitment. Scholarship funds are not to be used for general studies and school expenses.

Questions?  Email us at: chapter@eaa179.org

Like what we’re doing?   You Can Help! >We appreciate donations of any amount to our main scholarship fund, the Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship, Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship, “Doc” Weaver Memorial Scholarship, or Reimer Memorial Scholarship funds. Chapter 179 is a 501c(3) tax exempt charitable organization.  Donate online or send a check to “EAA 179 Scholarship; Double Eagle II Airport, 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW #179, Albuquerque, NM 87120-6601”.

Past Chapter president Emilio Verastegui and Scholarship chairman Mark Sturm with 2023 Ray Scholar recipient Mia Alderete.

EAA Chapter 179 is dedicated to introducing youth to aviation and supporting advancement of their aviation education through scholarships. Click on the following links for information and application instructions for the three programs we administer:

• Chapter 179 Aviation Scholarships:  For 2023 we awarded a total of nine scholarships totaling over $24,000! These cover expenses related to flight training, A&P certification, or other educational programs for New Mexico applicants up to 25 years of age, pursuing a future in aviation.
• EAA Advanced Air Academy:  EAA 179 covers full tuition for a New Mexico youth ages 16 – 18 to this week long program in Oshkosh, Wisconsin which overlaps with EAA’s AirVenture, the world’s biggest aviation celebration. Applications are accepted via our Aviation Scholarship program, Jan 1 – Feb 15 each year.  More details.
• EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship:  In 2019, 2020, 2021 2022, 2023, and expected for 2024, EAA selected our chapter to award this prestigious scholarship of up to $11,000 to help student pilots age 15 – 19 achieve their Private Pilot certificate. We hope to continue to qualify for these annual grants.

Chapter 179 has awarded over $110.000 in scholarships to forty six recipients from 2017 through 2023, including Chapter 179 Scholarships, Air Academy Tuition, and EAA’s Ray Scholarships.  Since 2017 we qualified for participation in the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program SEVEN times with grants up to $11,000 supporting our scholars to complete their Private Pilot certificate.

Scholarship Recipient History

For grant history and inspiring stories of past 179 scholarship recipients, click here.

Funding Relies on Generous Donors

Chapter scholarships are funded by a combination of donations and from funds from activities throughout the year.  We’re proud to say that most recipients have proceeded towards their goals.

Like what you see? Want to Contribute?  We appreciate donations of any amount to our main scholarship fund, the Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship, Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship, “Doc” Weaver Memorial Scholarship, or Reimer Memorial Scholarship funds. Chapter 179 is a 501c(3) tax exempt charitable organization. Donate online or send a check to “EAA 179 Scholarship; Double Eagle II Airport, 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW #179, Albuquerque, NM 87120-6601”.

Chapter Aviation Scholarships

EAA 179 Scholarship Info-2021

Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 179 awards scholarships each year to applicants 25 years of age or less, currently seeking aviation education such as flight training, A&P certification, etc. The amount and number of grants are determined by our Board of Directors each year, contingent on funding available. Funds are paid directly to the school/instructor on behalf of the recipient.  All applications to be completed online.

$12,000 AWARDED TO 2019 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS! 

2019 Chapter 179 Aviation Scholarship Award Recipients

Taylor Jenkins – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Matthew McKelvey – Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship
Kiera Bethke – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Samuel Cortes – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Christian Orehek – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Rowan Phlieger – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Alec Villarreal – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship

2019 EAA Advanced Air Academy Tuition Recipients

Joel Inventor
Jesus Perez

2019 RAY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO Rowan Phlieger!

Chapter 179 was awarded EAA’s 2019 Ray Aviation Fund Scholarship. Rowan Phlieger was selected from 2019 chapter scholarship applicants to receive this $10,000 flight training scholarship to complete Private Pilot training. CONGRATULATIONS on achieving your PPL over the summer! 

Read about eligibility requirements for Ray Scholars HERE.

Submitting Applications for 2020 Scholarships

Applications for 2020 Scholarships are to be submitted using an Online Form, where you will find further information and the application form. Applications will be accepted through February 15, 2020;  recipients will be notified by the March Chapter 179 meeting when awards will be presented.

To qualify, you must:

• Be 25 years of age or less and be a resident of New Mexico.
• In 2 pages or less, describe  your interest in aviation and your future including how much ($) you are requesting, JUSTIFY specifically how it will be spent, your aviation goals, any connections to EAA Chapter 179, level of aviation experience and achievements, and how you will give back to the community after reaching your goals.
• Provide a copy of an unofficial school transcript.
• Provide at least one reference letter (no more than three) from someone other than a family member who is familiar with your motivation, ability, and potential regarding aviation. Scan and upload both as PDF files.

Wish to Apply?  Browse to the Application Form
Questions?  Send to scholarships@eaa179.org

DONATE TODAY! 

We encourage and accept donations of any amount to our general scholarship fund,  the Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship, or Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship funds. Chapter 179 is a 501c(3) tax exempt charitable organization.  Thus, all donations are fully TAX DEDUCTIBLE. To send a check, make it out to “EAA  179 Scholarship”  and mail to EAA Chapter 179; P.O. Box 3583; Albuquerque, NM 87190.

For scholarships to EAA’s Air Academy, click here.

EAA 179 AWARDED $10,400 TO 2017 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS! 

Meet our 2017 Recipients – click for presentation

2017 Aviation Scholarship Recipients:  $1500

• Zachary Andrews – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
• Nathan Mendoza – Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship
• Ryan Moloney – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
• Nicholas Pashenkov – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
• Kasia Segieda – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship

2017 EAA Advanced Air Academy Tuition Recipients:  $1455

• Larissa “Lacey” Stickney
• Sam Baczkewicz