SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

Pursuing a career in aviation can be a long and costly pursuit. At PAPA, we strive to do our part in helping ensure that no qualified individual who aspires to become an aviation professional has to give up on their dream, solely because of financial reasons.

Since 2021, we have awarded over $3 million in scholarships to PAPA members. We usually open up our scholarship window twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. Anyone can apply as long as they are a PAPA member and meet the criteria outlined by the sponsoring partner. Most scholarships will be paid directly towards the recipient’s institution.

We are proud to provide annual scholarships in conjunction with our partner organizations. Here’s to breaking down barriers in aviation!

Discovery Flight Window will be open July 1, 2026-July 31, 2026 at 23:59 Pacific Time

2026 Free Discovery Flight

Since there are only 2-3% Asian American pilots in the USA, PAPA would like to give out 10 free Discovery Flights to anyone between the ages 14-18. But ANYONE between ages 14-18 can apply. Since most of the applicants are new to the world of aviation, applicants are not required to be a member. If selected, PAPA will pay the cost of up to $250 of the discovery flight directly to the flight school through a voucher. This will enable the applicant to find a flight school near them to do their discovery flight. 

This Discovery Flight aligns PAPA with it’s own mission of inspiring the next generation of professional aviators and provide professional development, support, and opportunities to thrive in aviation careers.

What is a Discovery Flight?

A discovery flight is an introductory flight lesson where students can 

  • Experience flying a real airplane

  • Learn the basics of flight

  • Explore aviation as a future career

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be ages 14-18

  • Applicants must not have previously completed a discovery flight or any flight to be considered for this opportunity.

  • Must do a social media post tagging Professional Asian Pilots Association on Facebook or Instagram after the flight

  • Flight must be done no later than 3 months from the time of the award

  • Flight School to take the Discovery Flight must be located within the US

If you are a PAPA member, and would like to encourage an aspiring aviator, please share this opportunity so you can help them with any question they might have with their discovery flight. PAPA Discovery Flight application opens on July 1, 2026 and ends on July 31, 2026 at 23:59 Pacific Time.

Click here to Apply

Please direct all scholarship inquiries to scholarship@asianpilots.org.

The Spring 2026 Scholarships window is closed, please monitor the PAPA monthly newsletter and social media posts for updates on the Fall 2026 Scholarships window.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The website will be updated for each Spring and Fall Scholarship window so check back around those times.

  • No. You must be a member of PAPA to receive a scholarship award. To become a member, visit our Members Area.

  • General requirements include being at least 18 years of age, high school diploma or GED equivalent, Each scholarship has its own independent requirements. Log in with your PAPA membership credentials to view each individual scholarship.

  • Yes! Everyone is eligible regardless of race and ethnicity. Some scholarships may be decided based on past or current involvement in the Asian community.

  • Scholarships range anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500 generally. These are subject to change yearly depending on sponsorship.

  • The application process takes our scholarship team about 2-3 weeks after the window closes to review and finalize our scholarship recipients.

  • The scholarship windows open in the Spring and Fall, providing two scholarship application opportunities.

  • Yes, you may apply to any scholarship that you are eligible for.

  • Yes. You must be able to work in the United States and be a green card holder.

  • Yes, you may apply as long as you have a conditional acceptance letter from the United Aviate Academy and be an active student at the application close date.

  • Funds will be disbursed directly to your flight school/university via check.

  • Your funds can be used as soon as it is awarded. It is to be used within one year of awarding.

  • Yes, you can be awarded a scholarship as a past recipient.

  • Our scholarship team can be reached at scholarship@asianpilots.org. Please review the above FAQ first and only contact us if your query was not addressed.

Please direct all scholarship inquiries to scholarship@asianpilots.org.