Open · closes in 22 daysVerified Jul 7, 2026 against the official page

NGPA Scholarships

National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) · National

$1,500 – $15,000

20+ awards · one application

Free to apply. Amounts and dates come from the provider's official page on the date shown; always confirm there before applying.

Samip Shah
Written by · founder of PilotBound

At a glance

Award
$1,500 – $15,000 (Individual awards range from $1,500 to $15,000; roughly $115,000 total across the 2026 cycle. Includes six General Aviation awards ($5,000-$15,000), the $10,000 Elevated Access post-private award, and partner awards from FedEx, Republic, Endeavor, PSA, GoJet, LogTen Pro, and United Aviate.)
Status
Open · closes in 22 days
Deadline
July 31, 2026
Opens
June 1, 2026
Cycle
Opens Jun 1, closes Jul 31 each year; recipients informed in late November, awards announced to members in December
Who it's for
Minority students
Age
Adults
Certificates
Private (PPL), Instrument, Commercial, Instructor (CFI), Multi-engine, Any certificate or rating
Region
National
Membership
Paid membership in the host organization is required to apply

Who this is for

Open to active NGPA members age 18 or older; a single application is considered for every award the applicant is eligible for, spanning initial flight training through advanced ratings, CFI/CFII, plus maintenance and aviation management tracks. Flight training awards require a current FAA medical certificate (third class or higher). LGBTQ+ pilots are the primary audience; allies with documented advocacy histories may also apply. Applying requires paid membership in the host organization; the application itself is free.

How to apply

  1. Read the full requirements on National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA)'s official page, including the membership requirement. Applying is free.
  2. Line up the slow pieces early: recommendation letters, transcripts, and any medical or student pilot certificate the provider asks for.
  3. Write the essay with numbers, not passion: name your certificate goal, your school, your hours so far, and exactly what this award covers. Build your plan so every figure in the essay is real.

NGPA Scholarships: quick answers

How much is the NGPA Scholarships?

The published award is $1,500 – $15,000. Individual awards range from $1,500 to $15,000; roughly $115,000 total across the 2026 cycle. Includes six General Aviation awards ($5,000-$15,000), the $10,000 Elevated Access post-private award, and partner awards from FedEx, Republic, Endeavor, PSA, GoJet, LogTen Pro, and United Aviate. One application cycle covers multiple awards (20+ awards · one application).

When is the NGPA Scholarships deadline?

The deadline on the provider's official page is July 31, 2026. Applications are open right now. Opens Jun 1, closes Jul 31 each year; recipients informed in late November, awards announced to members in December.

Who is eligible for the NGPA Scholarships?

Open to active NGPA members age 18 or older; a single application is considered for every award the applicant is eligible for, spanning initial flight training through advanced ratings, CFI/CFII, plus maintenance and aviation management tracks. Flight training awards require a current FAA medical certificate (third class or higher). LGBTQ+ pilots are the primary audience; allies with documented advocacy histories may also apply. Applying requires paid membership in the host organization; the application itself is free.

How do I apply for the NGPA Scholarships?

Apply for free on National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA)'s official page. There is no application fee, and no legitimate aviation scholarship charges one or asks for your Social Security number. Have your essay, recommendation letters, and any required certificates ready before the window opens.

Scholarships rarely cover the whole bill. See how students finance the gap →