In 2026, the Aerospace Museum will award three scholarships of $12,500 each to exceptional and highly motivated students between the ages of 16 and 22 who aspire to become pilots. Photo courtesy of Aerospace Museum of California

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Thanks to the generosity of its major donors, the Aerospace Museum of California is proud to announce the return of its Private Pilot License (PPL) Scholarship Program. In 2026, the Museum will award three scholarships of $12,500 each to exceptional and highly motivated students between the ages of 16 and 22 who aspire to become pilots.

Applications for the scholarship program are now open and will close on Feb. 14 at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time. Interested applicants can find full details and submit their application at https://www.aerospaceca.org/ppl-scholarship.

Unlike traditional financial aid programs, the Aerospace Museum of California’s Private Pilot License Scholarship is designed as a comprehensive pilot development pipeline. In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients benefit from one-on-one mentoring, structured progress tracking, and clear accountability milestones.

Scholars are also actively engaged in museum programs and STEM outreach initiatives, reinforcing the Museum’s commitment to education and community impact. The program is built around a core objective of achieving a 100 percent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot License certification success rate among scholarship recipients.

The ideal candidates for the program are students who demonstrate a strong and sustained desire to pursue a career in aviation. Additional consideration is given to applicants who are already involved in aviation-related organizations or activities, such as Civil Air Patrol, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), or flight schools. Applicants with prior flight training or those who have already completed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airman Knowledge Test are also strongly encouraged to apply.

To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 22 and able to begin flight training within 30 days of receiving the scholarship award. Recipients must commit to ongoing mentoring, meet structured progress milestones, and complete a minimum of four hours per month of volunteer service with the Aerospace Museum of California.

The Museum’s motto, “Where Dreams Take Flight,” reflects more than inspiration; it represents a proven pathway into aviation careers. Through this scholarship program, the Aerospace Museum of California continues to transform passion for flight into real-world opportunities, helping the next generation of pilots earn their wings.

For questions or additional information, interested parties may contact the Aerospace Museum of California Scholarship Coordinator at [email protected].

The Aerospace Museum of California encourages educators, parents, aviation mentors, and community members to share this opportunity with aspiring pilots.

About the Aerospace Museum of California
The Aerospace Museum of California is dedicated to preserving the history of aviation and aerospace while inspiring future generations through education, outreach, and hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).