SSA Kolstad Award College Scholarship
Soaring Society of America (SSA) · National
Up to $10,000
1 award per year
Free to apply. Amounts and dates come from the provider's official page on the date shown; always confirm there before applying.
At a glance
- Award
- Up to $10,000 (Up to $10,000 for academic study, paid directly to the recipient's institution. One award selected competitively each year.)
- Status
- Open · closes in 61 days
- Deadline
- September 30, 2026
- Cycle
- Closes September 30 each year; winners announced end of June.
- Who it's for
- Open to all
- Age
- Youth (age or grade cap applies)
- Certificates
- Any certificate or rating
- Region
- National
- Membership
- Paid membership in the host organization is required to apply
Applications close September 30, 2026.
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Who this is for
Open to US-citizen SSA members ages 14 to 25 who are soaring pilots holding at least the FAI Silver Badge or Kolstad Century Award and can show significant service at a USA gliderport. Funds academic study, not flight training itself. Applying requires paid membership in the host organization; the application itself is free.
How to apply
- Read the full requirements on Soaring Society of America (SSA)'s official page, including the membership requirement. Applying is free.
- Line up the slow pieces early: recommendation letters, transcripts, and any medical or student pilot certificate the provider asks for.
- 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.
Also worth a look
SSA Kolstad Award College Scholarship: quick answers
How much is the SSA Kolstad Award College Scholarship?
The published award is Up to $10,000. Up to $10,000 for academic study, paid directly to the recipient's institution. One award selected competitively each year. One application cycle covers multiple awards (1 award per year).
When is the SSA Kolstad Award College Scholarship deadline?
The deadline on the provider's official page is September 30, 2026. Applications are open right now. Closes September 30 each year; winners announced end of June.
Who is eligible for the SSA Kolstad Award College Scholarship?
Open to US-citizen SSA members ages 14 to 25 who are soaring pilots holding at least the FAI Silver Badge or Kolstad Century Award and can show significant service at a USA gliderport. Funds academic study, not flight training itself. Applying requires paid membership in the host organization; the application itself is free.
How do I apply for the SSA Kolstad Award College 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.
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