Aviation Maintenance Scholarships
Imagine America Foundation Scholarship Programs
Apply for ScholarshipAircraft mechanics keep the fleet flying, and airlines, repair stations, and manufacturers are short on certified technicians. Imagine America Foundation offers $1,000 scholarships to students training for the FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate at partner aviation maintenance schools, with awards for high school seniors, adult learners, and active-duty, reserve, and veteran military students.
Why Become an Aircraft Mechanic?
Aviation maintenance technicians inspect, repair, and sign off on the airframes, engines, and systems that aircraft depend on. The work is hands-on, regulated by the FAA, and hard to automate, and the industry's own forecasts expect demand for new technicians to outpace supply for years as experienced mechanics retire.
- Median pay for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is above $75,000 a year, with airline and MRO roles paying more
- Training takes about 21 months, far shorter than a four-year degree
- The A&P certificate is recognized nationwide and travels with you between employers
- Work for airlines, cargo carriers, corporate flight departments, helicopter operators, or repair stations
- Clear paths to inspection authorization, lead technician, and maintenance management roles
- Military aviation experience often counts toward A&P exam eligibility
Aviation Maintenance Scholarship Opportunities
Imagine America Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships to students enrolling in aviation maintenance technician programs at participating partner schools. Awards are paid directly to the school and applied to tuition. Students choose the award that matches their situation: the High School Scholarship for graduating seniors, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) for adult learners and career changers, or the Military Award Program (MAP) for service members and veterans, which can be used alongside GI Bill benefits.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000 per award, paid to the school toward tuition
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Enroll in an aviation maintenance technician program at a participating Imagine America partner school
- High School Scholarship: graduating high school senior with a 2.5 GPA or higher and a demonstrated financial need
- Adult Skills Education Program: adult learner entering or returning to career training
- Military Award Program: active-duty, reserve, National Guard, or honorably discharged veteran
- Complete the free Imagine America application and be verified by the school
How to Apply for Aviation Maintenance Scholarships
- Create your free Imagine America account (it takes about a minute)
- Choose Aviation Institute of Maintenance and the campus you plan to attend
- Select the award that fits you: High School, Adult Skills Education Program, or Military Award Program
- Complete the short application and submit it
- The school's admissions team verifies your enrollment and the award is applied to your tuition
Aviation Maintenance Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians, with roughly 13,000 openings a year as technicians retire or move into other roles. Boeing's long-range outlook projects the industry will need more than 600,000 new maintenance technicians worldwide over the next 20 years. Certified A&P mechanics with hands-on training from an FAA-approved school are the candidates airlines and repair stations hire first.
Partner Schools Offering Aviation Maintenance Training
These Imagine America partner schools train students in aviation maintenance and accept our awards toward tuition:
Ready to Start Your Aviation Maintenance Career?
Take the first step toward a rewarding career. Apply for scholarship funding and explore training programs at our partner schools.
Apply for an Aviation Maintenance ScholarshipFrequently Asked Questions
Are there scholarships specifically for aviation maintenance students?
Yes. Imagine America Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships to students enrolling in aviation maintenance technician programs at partner schools. Industry groups such as the Aircraft Electronics Association, the National Business Aviation Association, and the FAA's Aviation Workforce Development grants also fund aviation maintenance students, and the two can be combined.
Can I use an Imagine America award with the GI Bill?
Yes. The Military Award Program is a $1,000 career education award for active-duty service members, reservists, and veterans. It is applied to tuition and does not reduce your GI Bill or vocational rehabilitation benefits.
Which aviation maintenance schools accept Imagine America scholarships?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is an Imagine America partner school. Awards are currently available at AIM Dallas Metro in Irving, TX, AIM Phoenix, AZ, and AIM Norfolk, VA. All three run the FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician program that prepares students for the A&P exams.
Are there aviation scholarships for high school students?
Yes. The Imagine America High School Scholarship is a $1,000 award for graduating seniors who enroll at a partner school. Seniors can apply during their final year of high school and use the award when they start an aviation maintenance program after graduation.
How much does aviation maintenance school cost?
Tuition for a 21-month A&P program varies by school and campus, and most students combine federal financial aid, school-based grants, and scholarships. An Imagine America award covers $1,000 of tuition on top of any other aid you receive. The school's financial aid office can give you an exact cost of attendance for your campus.
Do I need an A&P certificate to work as an aircraft mechanic?
Most airline and repair station jobs require the FAA Airframe & Powerplant certificate. Graduating from an FAA-approved Part 147 school makes you eligible to sit for the written, oral, and practical exams without the 18 to 30 months of documented work experience otherwise required.
