Dr. Friedrich Straub Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Vertical Flight Society Arizona Chapter
Overview
The VFS Arizona Chapter offers the Dr. Friedrich Straub Memorial Scholarship to support students pursuing engineering careers in fixed-wing, rotorcraft, or VTOL aircraft. These merit-based awards may be given once to an undergraduate and once to a graduate student and require enrollment through the academic year following receipt. Recipients receive a one-year VFS membership and an engraved plaque and are invited to a local awards recognition event. Award amounts depend on endowment earnings.
Description: Memorial scholarships for students demonstrating interest in aviation-related engineering fields, administered by the VFS Arizona Chapter.
Award Value: Individual awards typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on endowment performance; additional non-monetary recognition is included.
- Merit-based scholarship for aviation engineering students.
- Awarded once each for Undergraduate and Graduate levels when qualified.
- Includes VFS membership and an engraved plaque in addition to the cash award.
Eligibility
Applicants must be full-time students at an accredited engineering school in Arizona and actively enrolled for the specified academic term. A minimum of 60 college credits transferred to or earned at the school is required. Engineering majors must have completed at least eight courses in core subjects such as calculus, chemistry, advanced math, physics, computer programming, or other engineering core curriculum. Professional aviation majors have alternative eligibility that includes pilot credentials or verified flight hours.
Eligibility: Full-time enrollment at an accredited Arizona engineering school, minimum 60 credits, and program-specific course or flight experience requirements.
- Full-time enrollment required for the full academic year after award receipt.
- Minimum 60 college credits transferred or earned at the institution.
- Program-specific requirements differ for engineering majors and professional aviation majors.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the entire Scholarship Application Form (Sections I, II, and III) and submit supporting materials by the October due date. Recommended supporting information includes a resume, an academic reference letter, and grade transcripts; unofficial transcripts are accepted for review but official transcripts are required before funds are disbursed. Submission is preferred by email to the Arizona VFS Scholarship Chair, with a mail option available upon request.
Supporting Information: Resume of experience and achievements, an academic endorsement from a professor or dean, and transcripts (unofficial accepted initially).
Application Timeline: Applications must be received by the October deadline; recipients are typically notified in November and invited to the next Arizona Chapter event for recognition.
- Complete all sections of the official application form.
- Include resume, academic reference, and transcripts; official transcripts required prior to fund disbursement.
- Submit by the October deadline; preferred email submission to [email protected].
History of the Award
The scholarship honors Dr. Friedrich Straub, a Boeing Technical Fellow and Flight Technologies Manager who was an original Culver City employee with Howard Hughes Helicopters. The award commemorates his contributions to flight technologies and supports students entering related engineering fields. This memorial scholarship continues his legacy by encouraging careers in fixed-wing, rotorcraft, and VTOL engineering.
History of the Award: Established in memory of Dr. Friedrich Straub to promote careers in aviation engineering and preserve his professional legacy.
- Named for Dr. Friedrich Straub, recognized aviation professional and Boeing Technical Fellow.
- Supports students pursuing careers aligned with Dr. Straub’s work in flight technologies.
- Provides financial and professional recognition to emerging engineers.
Governance and Contact
The Scholarship Committee, composed of Chapter directors, reviews applications and determines awards subject to available funding and qualified applicants. Applicants do not need to be members of the VFS to apply. The Chapter encourages applicants to complete an optional survey to help improve accessibility and the application experience. The application form and details are available online, and the Scholarship Chair can be contacted for submission instructions or mailing details.
Other Information: The Chapter intends to award at least one scholarship annually when qualified applicants are available; membership in VFS is not required.
Contact: Application materials and the form can be found at https://vfsaz.org/scholarships/. For questions or to submit materials, contact the Arizona VFS Scholarship Chair at [email protected].
- Committee of Chapter directors evaluates applications.
- At least one award intended annually, contingent on funding and qualified applicants.
- Application form available online; email [email protected] for submission guidance or mailing address.