EAA Chapter 179 qualified for participation in EAA’s Ray Aviation Scholarship program for the past six years (2019–2024), enabling us to support flight students through their Private or Glider Pilot check ride. We were granted two Ray Scholarships to award in 2025. Candidates must be a student pilot age 15-19 who aspires to earn a Private or Glider Pilot certificate within the coming year.
Ray Scholars now may receive up to $12,000 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)
New Pilots – 2022-2023 EAA 179 Ray Scholarship Recipients
For 2022 & 2023 the Chapter selected three aspiring pilots to receive EAA 179 Ray Scholarships. Read about their accomplishments by clicking on their names below. Read about our other Ray Scholars here.
Christian Guerrra |
Mia Alderete |
Veronica Bearup |
Questions? Email us: scholarships@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 Scholarships; Double Eagle II Airport, 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW #179, Albuquerque, NM 87120-6601”.