Charles J. Colgan Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Virginia Aviation Business Association

Overview This $2,000 Charles J. Colgan Scholarship supports Virginia residents who are pursuing an aviation-related career at an accredited institution located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, technical school seniors, and college/university undergraduates. The award is paid directly to the recipient’s institution in the student’s name. Who should apply - Virginia residents who are graduating high school or technical school seniors, or current undergraduates. - Students planning to enter or continuing in an aviation-related program in Virginia. “Aviation-related” includes (but is not limited to) pilots, aviation maintenance, aviation management, air traffic control, aerospace engineering, and aviation operations. Core eligibility requirements - Complete and sign the scholarship application and submit all supporting documents by the stated deadline. - Minimum GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in your last full year of study. - Essay: Typed, double-spaced, 250–500 words on one of these prompts: - “Why I Wish to Pursue a Career in Aviation” or - “Why Aviation is Important to the Commonwealth of Virginia.” - Letters of recommendation: Two (2) letters. At least one is preferably from someone in the aviation industry. - Proof of enrollment: Evidence of acceptance into an aviation-related post-secondary program in Virginia, or proof of good standing if you are already in such a program. - Optional: An additional statement (typed, double-spaced, up to 250 words) describing any other factors you want the committee to consider. How applications are scored - Academic performance: 30% - Essay: 30% - Recommendations: 20% - Subjective factors (including optional statement): 20% Application checklist — step by step 1. Read the full requirements carefully. 2. Complete and sign the VABA scholarship application form. 3. Have your guidance counselor or an appropriate school official sign any required certifications. 4. Attach an official copy of your current high school (or college) transcript. 5. Include verification of acceptance or proof of good standing in the aviation program (acceptance letter, enrollment verification, etc.). 6. Have your recommenders place their letters in sealed envelopes and sign across the back seal. A few quick tips from a teacher - Start early. Give recommenders plenty of time and provide them with relevant context (your resume, goals, or draft essay). - Proofread your essay for clarity and specifics—concrete examples and local relevance to Virginia will strengthen it. - Double-check that every signature and required document is included before you submit. If you have any questions about a required document or whether your program qualifies as “aviation-related,” contact the scholarship committee before the deadline.