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Announcing CPA's 2025 Scholarship Program

At the Colorado Pilots Association (CPA), we are proud to support the dreams of aspiring and advancing pilots through our scholarship program, designed to inspire the next generation of aviators. Aviation is more than just a pursuit—it’s a journey of discovery, innovation, and boundless potential.

To help turn these dreams into reality, we award five annual scholarships:

Two $5,000 CPA scholarships for Private Pilot training.
Two $5,000 CPA advanced training scholarships for women, known as the Emily Howell Warner Scholarships, named in honor of Colorado’s own trailblazing aviator and the first female captain of a major U.S. airline.
One $12,000 Wings Over the Rockies Ray Foundation scholarship for Private Pilot Powered (or $7,000 Glider).

Whether you’re starting your flight training or advancing toward your next certification, the CPA is committed to elevating your path to the skies.

Private Pilot Scholarships

The CPA offers two scholarships to assist aspiring pilots in earning their Private Pilot Certificate. Each scholarship awards up to $5,000 to help cover the costs of ground and flight training.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a Colorado resident.

• Be at least 17 years old by May 1 of the current year.

• Possess a current FAA Medical Certificate.

• Be enrolled in a flight school located in Colorado.

Additional Details:

Deadline is March 31, 2025.
Applicants must submit an essay, a letter of recommendation, and proof of current enrollment in a flight program.
Funds are disbursed directly to the flight school.
Partial Funding: Scholarships will not fully cover the cost of training. Awardees are responsible for any remaining balance.
For application instructions click Application Instructions.

CPA selects a third scholarship to earn a Private Pilot certificate, partnering with Wings Over the Rockies (WOTR) as an official Ray Foundation scholarship selection partner. This allows CPA to select one outstanding individual for a Private Pilot Single Engine (up to $12,000) or Glider (up to $7,000) scholarship awarded through WOTR.

To be considered for this scholarship by CPA, you must answer "Yes" to the question that asks whether you heard about the scholarship through Colorado Pilots Association, when filling out the WOTR Scholarship Application. By doing so you effectively double your chances of being selected for this scholarship, because your application will also be considered separately by WOTR using their selection process.

Important Information:

Application Deadline: WOTR’s scholarship application deadline is earlier than CPA’s—February 14, 2025.
Age and Eligibility Criteria are different from CPA scholarships.
For more details and to apply, visit the WOTR Scholarship Application Page.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to enhance your training with support from both CPA or Wings Over the Rockies!

Advanced Pilot Scholarships

The Colorado Pilots Association is proud to honor the legacy of Emily Joyce Howell Warner by offering two $5,000 scholarships for women in her name. A true aviation pioneer, Emily Howell Warner broke barriers and inspired generations of aviators.

Born in Denver, Emily was an early member of CPA and became the first woman captain of a scheduled U.S. airline, paving the way for women in aviation. Her groundbreaking career has been recognized by multiple halls of fame, including the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Her pilot’s uniform is proudly displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, a testament to her enduring impact on aviation.

The Emily Howell Warner Advanced Training Scholarships are awarded to support pilots pursuing advanced certifications or ratings, such as Instrument, Commercial, or Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). These scholarships are designed to help skilled pilots achieve greater heights and follow in Emily’s trailblazing footsteps.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Hold a current Private Pilot Certificate.

• Be a female Colorado resident.

• Be actively pursuing advanced training at a flight school or training center in Colorado.

Additional Details:

• Applicants must submit a resume, essay, and training plan, along with verification from their instructor or school.

• Funds are distributed directly to the training institution upon verification of enrollment and progress.
• Partial Funding: Scholarships may not fully cover the cost of training. Awardees are responsible for any remaining balance.

How to Apply

Applications for the Colorado Pilots Association (CPA) scholarships are now open and will be accepted through March 31, 2025. Applicants must submit the following:

• Essay: Share your aviation journey, goals, and how this scholarship will help you achieve them.

• Letter of Recommendation: A recommendation from your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).

Apply Now:

• CPA Scholarships: CPA Scholarships (You must be logged into your CPA account before accessing the application link. If you are not a current CPA member, you may join as a student pilot for a free one year subscription)

• Wings Over the Rockies Scholarships: WOTR Scholarships (Ensure you answer Yes to the question that asks whether you heard about the scholarship through CPA, otherwise CPA will not receive or consider your application.)

Selection Process (CPA Scholarships)

1. Application Review: Online applications, essays, and letters of recommendation will undergo an initial evaluation.

2. Academic Achievement: Preference may be given to applicants who have completed ground school and passed the Aeronautical Knowledge Exam.

3. Interview: Selected applicants will be interviewed in person at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport or Centennial Airport, or virtually.

Key Dates

• January 1: CPA application period opens.

• March 31: CPA application period closes.

• April 15-30: CPA interviews conducted.

• May 15: CPA awardees announced.

• May 31: CPA funds released to awardees’ flight schools.

Spread the Word!

Help us reach deserving candidates! Please share this announcement with interested students and encourage them to apply.

• Download a printable version of this announcement

For questions, please contact the CPA Education Committee at scholarships@coloradopilots.org.

Thank you for supporting the next generation of aviators!

Additional Scholarship Links

AOPA FOUNDATION AVIATION SCHOLARSHIPS CLOSE FEBRUARY 7, 2025!

This is an incomplete listing at best. Some of the organizations require applicants to be members before applying. The women’s groups give scholarships to both genders. If you find a broken link, or one to add, please email webmaster@coloradopilots.org. Thank you and good luck!

AOPA		https://aopa.academicworks.com/
EAA		https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/scholarships
Colorado 99s		http://www.colorado99s.org/scholarships.aspx
99s (national)		https://www.ninety-nines.org/scholarships.htm
Women in Aviation International		https://www.wai.org/education/scholarships
FAA (more listings)		https://www.faa.gov/education/grants_and_scholarships/
Aircraft Electronics Association		https://aea.net/educationalfoundation/scholarships.asp

CPA Presents - Scholarships by Makayla Galler

Makayla Galler is a high school senior who, at age 16, founded 'Pilot Prodigies,' a program designed to bring a STEM experience directly into the classroom. As a female private pilot and FAA Part 107 professional drone pilot, she has developed a program focused on supporting underserved students in exploring their interests in UAS, STEM, and aviation. The program offers workshops, drone demos, mentorship, scholarship information and other resources. Makayla's expertise in flight scholarships is evident in her own journey, starting from earning her Private Pilot License with a glider rating at a young age and continuing with her pursuit of an ASEL rating, supported by flight scholarships. She has honed her skills in scholarship applications, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring aviators. Beyond her personal accomplishments, Makayla is an active advocate for aviation and creates opportunities for others through her involvement in organizations like the Colorado Pilots Association and Women in Aviation International. Her dedication to expanding access to flight scholarships and mentorship programs highlights her passion for nurturing the next generation of aviators.

The "Introduction to Flight Training Scholarships" presentation provides a comprehensive guide for aspiring pilots on securing scholarships. Here's a brief overview:
Introduction: Sets the stage for the importance of scholarships in aviation training.
Agenda: Outlines the presentation's flow from scholarship basics to application tips.
Definition and Purpose: Explains what flight training scholarships are and their role in supporting aviation careers.
Benefits: Highlights how scholarships aid aspiring pilots financially and professionally.
Eligibility Criteria: Details common qualifications needed to apply for scholarships.
Finding Scholarships: Offers strategies for locating scholarship opportunities.
Application Requirements: Lists essential documents and information for applications.

Flight Schools around Colorado

Looking for a place to learn to fly, here's a map of the flight schools around Colorado. If your school isn't on here and you'd like to add it, please contact us using the "Contact Us" below and we'll make sure to get it included!
Make sure to click on the image on the map that looks like this: it will pop out the list of flight schools along with their website and contact information.

5 Ways To Start Your Flight Training Right Now, courtesy of BoldMethod - https://www.boldmethod.com/blog/lists/2020/05/5-ways-to-start-your-flight-training-now/

Looking for a Flight Instructor or DPE?

Check out this link here to search for a Flight Instructor or DPE: https://www.checkridehq.com