Flight Path Museum & Learning Center Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Flight Path Museum & Learning Center

Flight Path Museum & Learning Center — Scholarship Program (Overview) The Flight Path Museum & Learning Center offers annual scholarships to Southern California residents pursuing careers in aviation, aerospace, or aeronautics. These awards are funded by families, volunteers, and local supporters and are administered by the museum to support education, training, and career development. Multiple scholarships are available each year with separate eligibility criteria and award amounts; applicants should consult individual program descriptions for details. The museum maintains application guidance and current deadlines on its website.

Key takeaways

• Program supports Southern California residents pursuing aviation/aerospace careers.
• Funded and administered by the Flight Path Museum with community donors.
• Multiple, distinct scholarships are available; review each description.
• Check the Flight Path Museum website for current application instructions and deadlines.

Application Process and Eligibility (General) Application requirements vary by scholarship but follow a common pattern: submit an application form and supporting materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, and program- or career-specific documentation). Applicants may apply for more than one Flight Path scholarship, and previous scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for additional awards. Specific scholarships may request pilot logs, statements of intent, or proof of program enrollment; always review the scholarship-specific checklist before submitting. Final award decisions are made by the museum’s scholarship committee according to each program’s criteria.

Key takeaways

• Prepare transcripts, recommendations, and any program-specific documents.
• You may apply to multiple scholarships; prior recipients can reapply.
• Review each scholarship’s checklist to confirm required supporting materials.
• Awards are decided by the museum’s scholarship committee per program rules.

Anton Acherman Scholarship Description: Established in memory of Anton Acherman, a 52-year Westchester resident and retired mechanical engineer who worked on Atlas‑Centaur, Skylab systems, and Boeing Satellite Systems test equipment. The scholarship honors his aerospace career and community ties, and is funded by family, friends, neighbors, and local businesses. It aims to support students pursuing technical or flight-related education in aviation and aerospace.

Key takeaways

• Award Value: $500.
• Use of Funds:

Tuition, books, fees, pilot ground/flight training, and other educational expenses.

• Disbursement:

Award sent directly to recipient’s chosen educational institution.

• Target:

Students pursuing aviation- or aerospace-related education; consult the museum for application specifics.

Captain Rex May Scholarship Description: Funded by Linda May and administered by the Flight Path Museum, this scholarship honors Captain Rex May — a Marine aviator and 36-year United Airlines pilot who also served as a flight instructor and ALPA member. The program is intended specifically to encourage students pursuing careers as commercial pilots. The scholarship emphasizes qualifications that demonstrate commitment to a professional pilot career, including training plans, flight logs, and recommendations.

Key takeaways

• Award Value: $5,000.
• Eligibility Focus:

Reserved for applicants pursuing a commercial pilot career.

• Required Supporting Materials:

Include flight logs, statements of school/career intentions, and recommendations to help determine eligibility.

• Use of Funds / Disbursement:

Tuition, books, fees, pilot ground/flight training; award sent directly to the chosen educational institution.

Charles “Pete” Conrad, Jr. Scholarship Description: Named for astronaut Pete Conrad, commander of Apollo 12 and the third person to walk on the Moon, this scholarship encourages study in aviation, aerospace, or aeronautics. Sponsored by the Flight Path Museum, the program supports students who demonstrate academic promise and a commitment to entering aerospace-related fields. Selection prioritizes applicants with clear educational objectives aligned with the aerospace industry.

Key takeaways

• Award Value: $2,000.
• Use of Funds:

Tuition, books, fees, and other educational expenses related to aviation/aerospace study.

• Disbursement:

Award is paid directly to the recipient’s chosen educational institution.

• Target:

Students entering aviation, aerospace, or aeronautics programs.

Howard Drollinger Scholarship Description: Funded by the Drollinger family and administered by the museum, this scholarship commemorates Howard Drollinger — a World War II Army Air Corps navigator decorated for combat service and a longtime community supporter. The award supports students pursuing aviation careers and reflects Mr. Drollinger’s legacy of service, education, and community involvement. Priority is given to candidates who show a strong connection to aviation and community values.

Key takeaways

• Award Value: $3,000.
• Use of Funds:

Tuition, books, fees, pilot ground/flight training, and other educational expenses.

• Disbursement:

Payment is sent directly to the recipient’s chosen educational institution.

• Legacy:

Honors military and community service in aviation.

Morrey Plotkin Scholarship Description: Established by the Plotkin family and administered by the Flight Path Museum, this scholarship honors Morrey Plotkin, the museum’s founder and a lifelong advocate for volunteerism and aviation. Plotkin served in the Army Air Corps and later on the corporate staff of Northrop, and the scholarship reflects his commitment to aviation careers and community leadership. The program supports students pursuing education and training in aviation fields.

Key takeaways

• Award Value: $5,000.
• Use of Funds:

Tuition, books, fees, pilot ground/flight training, and other educational expenses.

• Disbursement:

Award paid directly to the recipient’s selected educational institution.

• Purpose:

Supports students pursuing aviation careers, reflecting the founder’s dedication to aviation and service.

Where to Get More Information For deadline dates, application forms, submission instructions, and any updates to eligibility or award administration, consult the Flight Path Museum & Learning Center’s official website or contact the museum’s scholarship coordinator. Each scholarship page contains a specific checklist of required materials and any program-specific selection criteria.

Key takeaways

• Visit the Flight Path Museum website for current deadlines and application forms.
• Review each scholarship’s individual page for exact eligibility and required documents.
• Contact the museum’s scholarship coordinator for questions or clarifications.