Ag Wings of Tomorrow

Scholarship Sponsored by National Agricultural Aviation Association

Description The NAAA “Ag Wings of Tomorrow” Scholarship provides targeted financial support to recruit and train the next generation of agricultural pilots. Funded by BASF, Thrush Aircraft, and Turbine Conversions Ltd., the program helps cover costs for flight training, operator-sponsored apprenticeships, or relevant college coursework. Awards are merit-based and intended to reduce barriers to entry into aerial application and related agricultural aviation careers. Administration and final decisions are handled by the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA). Key takeaways - Supports aspiring agricultural pilots and related aviation/ag coursework. - Funded by BASF, Thrush Aircraft, and Turbine Conversions Ltd.; administered by NAAA. - Merit-based; targets recruitment and training for agricultural aviation careers. Award value The program offers $25,000 total each cycle, distributed as up to five one-year scholarships of $5,000 each. Scholarships may be used for: flight training programs, NAAA Operator-sponsored apprentice flight-training programs, aviation or aviation-vocational programs (second-year or later at U.S. 2- or 4-year institutions), or agricultural/agribusiness programs (second-year or later at U.S. 2- or 4-year institutions). Awards are paid in U.S. dollars; NAAA reserves the right not to award the maximum number if applicant merit does not support it. Each applicant may receive only one award. Key takeaways - Total pool: $25,000; up to five $5,000 awards. - Eligible uses: flight training, operator apprenticeships, or 2nd-year+ aviation/ag college programs. - One award per applicant; NAAA may withhold awards if not merited. Eligibility Applicants and sponsoring organizations must meet specific criteria to participate. **For Applicants:** Candidates must be sponsored by an NAAA Operator Member in the Operator dues category, may apply for only one NAAA pilot-training scholarship per year (either Ag Wings or the Charles Stokes Memorial Turbine Training Scholarship), and prior Ag Wings or NAAA/BASF Agricultural Aviation Scholarship winners are not eligible. Paid employees and immediate family members of NAAA, BASF, Thrush Aircraft, and Turbine Conversions Ltd. are also ineligible. **For Sponsors:** Each applicant must be sponsored by an NAAA Operator Member in the Operator dues category, and each Operator Member may sponsor only one applicant per year. Key takeaways - Applicant sponsorship by an NAAA Operator Member (Operator dues category) is required. - Single scholarship application per applicant per year; prior winners and certain employees/families excluded. - Operators may sponsor only one applicant annually. Application process and checklist Applications are submitted through the NAAA online portal; applicants must complete all applicant and sponsor fields and upload required documents. The sponsoring NAAA Operator must provide a detailed letter of recommendation commenting on the applicant’s agricultural or flying background and character. Required materials include a completed application, operator recommendation letter, a 250-word-or-less essay, and a one-page résumé or activity list; additional documentation depends on the intended use of funds. Key takeaways - Apply via the NAAA online application portal and include sponsor information. - Sponsor letter required; essay limited to 250 words; include résumé. - Upload all required supporting documents listed below. Required supporting documents Provide documentation that corresponds to the intended use of scholarship funds. **If for flight training:** proof of enrollment or acceptance in a flight training program. **If for an operator-sponsored apprenticeship:** a brief, detailed description of the apprentice program. **If for college coursework:** an official transcript (GPA 2.5+ on a 4.0 scale required at time of application) and proof that you are pursuing an eligible degree or vocational program. Transcripts may be mailed to NAAA or emailed per instructions. Key takeaways - Flight training: enrollment/acceptance proof required. - Apprenticeships: program description required. - College coursework: official transcript required; minimum GPA 2.5. Application timeline and selection Applications must be received by the published deadline to be considered for awards covering the following calendar year (January–December). The NAAA Membership Committee reviews applications during the Fall NAAA Board Meeting and evaluates candidates on financial need, prior experience, likelihood of retention in aerial application, strength of the operator’s recommendation, and strength of the applicant’s essay. Winners are notified by November 1 and are publicly announced at the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo in November; the Committee’s decision is final. Key takeaways - Submit by the posted deadline to be eligible for the next calendar year. - Selection criteria include need, experience, retention likelihood, and strength of recommendations and essay. - Winners notified by Nov 1; public announcement at the November Expo. Payment and use of funds Scholarship payments require a tuition bill verifying the recipient’s enrollment before funds are disbursed. Except for operator-sponsored apprentice programs, checks are made payable to the educational or training institution and issued before training or coursework begins or resumes. Recipients must provide paid receipts or, for apprenticeships, a signed operator statement verifying expenses; proof of expenses is due to NAAA by June 1 of the year following the award. Any funds paid directly to a recipient that are not used for approved educational or apprenticeship expenses must be returned to NAAA; apprenticeship payments used for living expenses may be taxable. Key takeaways - Payments issued to institutions upon presentation of a tuition bill (exceptions for apprenticeships). - Receipts or operator verification required; expense proof due by June 1 after award year. - Misused funds must be repaid to NAAA; apprenticeship living payments may be taxable. Administration, funding, and program changes The scholarship is administered by the National Agricultural Aviation Association and funded through educational grants provided by BASF, Thrush Aircraft, and Turbine Conversions Ltd. NAAA retains the right to review and modify the scholarship’s conditions and procedures at any time, including the right not to award some or all scholarships if applicant merit is insufficient. The program’s governance and funding sources support sustainable investment in agricultural aviation workforce development. Key takeaways - Administered by NAAA; funded by BASF, Thrush Aircraft, and Turbine Conversions Ltd. - NAAA can modify program rules and may withhold awards if warranted. - Purpose is long-term investment in the agricultural aviation workforce. For the latest deadlines, application links, and submission instructions, consult the NAAA website or the Ag Wings of Tomorrow Scholarship application portal.