Charles J. Colgan Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Virginia Aviation Business Association

Scholarship Overview The Charles J. Colgan Scholarship is an annual award of $2,000 granted to a deserving Virginia resident who is either a high school or technical school senior, or an undergraduate enrolled at a college/university. Recipients must be pursuing an aviation-related career at an accredited school located within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Funds will be remitted directly to the recipient’s institution in the student’s name. Eligibility - Must be a resident of Virginia. - Must be a high school senior, technical school senior, or an undergraduate student at a college/university. - Must be planning to pursue (or already be enrolled in) an aviation-related program at an accredited institution within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Required Materials and Qualifications - A completed and signed scholarship application and all supporting documents must be received by the posted deadline. - Minimum Grade Point Average: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) based on the most recent full year of study. - Essay: A typed, double-spaced essay of 250–500 words on one of these topics: “Why I Wish to Pursue a Career in Aviation” or “Why Aviation is Important to the Commonwealth of Virginia.” Acceptable aviation career paths include, but are not limited to: pilots, aviation maintenance, aviation management, air traffic control, aerospace engineering, and aviation operations. - Recommendations: Two (2) letters of recommendation; at least one letter is preferred to come from someone working in the aviation field. Recommendation letters must be provided in sealed envelopes with the writer’s signature signed across the back flap. - Enrollment Verification: Proof of acceptance into an aviation-related post-secondary program in Virginia, or documentation showing good standing in an existing aviation program located in the Commonwealth. - Optional Additional Statement: Applicants may submit an extra statement (typed, double-spaced, up to 250 words) to present other information or considerations for the committee to review. Selection and Scoring Applications are reviewed and scored according to the following weightings: - Academic performance: 30% - Essay: 30% - Letters of recommendation: 20% - Subjective considerations (including optional statement and other factors): 20% How to Apply 1. Review the eligibility and requirements above. 2. Fill out and sign the VABA Scholarship application form. 3. Have your guidance counselor or an appropriate high school official complete and sign any required certifications. 4. Include an official copy of your current high school transcript and documentation of enrollment or acceptance (or proof of good standing) at the accredited post-secondary program in Virginia. 5. Ensure recommenders place their letters in sealed envelopes and sign across the sealed fold before submitting. Submission Checklist - Signed application form - Counselors/official certifications (as required) - Official transcript (current) - Proof of acceptance/enrollment or good standing at a Virginia accredited aviation program - Two sealed recommendation letters (with signatures across the sealed fold) - Essay (250–500 words, typed, double-spaced) - Optional additional statement (up to 250 words, typed, double-spaced), if desired Applications that meet all stated requirements and are complete by the deadline will be considered for the $2,000 Charles J. Colgan Scholarship, payable to the chosen Virginia institution on behalf of the awardee.