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SSA Junior CFI-G Scholarship

Soaring Society of America (SSA) · National

Samip Shah
Written by · founder of PilotBound

Section 1What SSA publishes

Straight from the provider's pagechecked September 1, 2026
AwardUp to $3,000 in SSA credit toward CFI-G training and testing ($2,000 initial, plus $1,000 on earning the commercial glider rating).Up to $3,000
DeadlineCloses September 30 each year.September 30, 2026
Open toOpen to all · Youth (age or grade cap applies)
Certificates fundedInstructor (CFI)
RegionNational
Membershiprequired to apply
Application feefree

1 award per year

Amounts, dates and eligibility change between cycles. Always confirm on the provider's page before applying.

Section 2Deadline reminders

Free deadline reminders

Applications close September 30, 2026.

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Section 3What this award leaves to fund

This award
$3,000
Private certificatePilotBound national estimate
− $18,083
Left to fund
$15,100

All six lenders in our comparison lend this much. Stack whatever else you can win first, then price only what is left.

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Section 4Who this is for

Open to Junior SSA members ages 17 to 24 who hold a private glider rating or higher and can show cross-country soaring proficiency (FAI Silver Badge or Kolstad Century Award). Applicants under 18 need parent or guardian support. Applying requires paid membership in the host organization; the application itself is free.

Section 5How to apply

  1. Read the full requirements on Soaring Society of America (SSA)'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.

Section 6Price your school

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Section 7Also worth a look

Section 8Quick answers

How much is the SSA Junior CFI-G Scholarship?

The published award is Up to $3,000. Up to $3,000 in SSA credit toward CFI-G training and testing ($2,000 initial, plus $1,000 on earning the commercial glider rating). One application cycle covers multiple awards (1 award per year).

When is the SSA Junior CFI-G Scholarship deadline?

The deadline on the provider's official page is September 30, 2026. Applications are open right now. Closes September 30 each year.

Who is eligible for the SSA Junior CFI-G Scholarship?

Open to Junior SSA members ages 17 to 24 who hold a private glider rating or higher and can show cross-country soaring proficiency (FAI Silver Badge or Kolstad Century Award). Applicants under 18 need parent or guardian support. Applying requires paid membership in the host organization; the application itself is free.

How do I apply for the SSA Junior CFI-G Scholarship?

Apply for free on Soaring Society of America (SSA)'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.