The University of North Dakota, housing one of the largest fleets of collegiate aircraft in the U.S., is awarding $300,000 in scholarships to 25 military veterans to start their aviation careers.
The scholarships are funded by a philanthropic gift from The Ray Foundation, founded in 1963 by James and Joan Ray. James Ray was a B-17 command pilot in the 8th Air Force, 447th Bomb Group while stationed in England. He flew 30 missions, one of which involved an attack on the German Army headquarters in Caen, France, on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
The scholarships will cover the flight training costs associated with earning a private pilot certificate, the first step in becoming a professional pilot. Flight training will be completed at UND’s Phoenix Flight Training Center.
The University of North Dakota Phoenix Flight Training Center is an FAA Part 141 school located at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (KAZA). UND partners with Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) to offer an associate degree in airway science technology.
After completing their private pilot training, the veteran students will be eligible to continue their education and flight training by utilizing their GI Bill benefits.
How to Apply
You can submit an application for the scholarship here. All applicants must have the following to be eligible:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill Statement of Benefits or GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility—with at least 24 months of benefit remaining
- Confirmation of Retirement or Separation Date prior to February 14, 2022 (veterans only)
- An FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate
- A signed letter of intent to continue training in the CGCC AAS degree program
- Attendance at an in-person or virtual interview as part of the selection process
- Ability to relocate to Mesa, Arizona, for approximately 24 months to attend training
Interviews with applicants will be scheduled as qualified applications are received.
