The AOPA has announced that applications will be accepted starting Feb. 1 for three scholarship programs, two to help student pilots in training earn their initial pilot certificate, and a new scholarship program to help certificated pilots achieve an advanced certificate or rating. application deadline is May 2 for the scholarship programs, all funded by generous donations to the AOPA Foundation.

The AOPA You Can Fly High School Scholarship program, a component of AOPA’s You Can Fly initiative to support and build the general aviation pilot population, announced the awards it will issue in its third year of opening pathways to a life in aviation for deserving scholarship recipients.The 2018 program will award 20 scholarships of $5,000 each to provide current high school students ages 15 to 18 with funds that can be used to pay for an initial pilot certificate, including a sport, private, or recreational pilot certificate.

The winners will be announced in early June, said Cindy Hasselbring, AOPA senior director of the You Can Fly High School Aviation Initiative. For more information about the scholarships, eligibility requirements, or to apply online, visit the AOPA You Can Fly website.

Continuing the work of the AOPA Flight Training Scholarship program that made its first awards in 2011, applications are now being accepted for the AOPA Foundation’s Primary Certification Scholarships.

The program will issue multiple grants from $2,500 to $7,500. Funds awarded can be applied to training for an initial pilot certificate including a sport, private, or recreational pilot certificate. To be eligible for an award, an applicant must be age 16 or older, and must be an AOPA member.

A new scholarship program for 2018 will help certificated pilots take the next step along their life’s journey in aviation.

The AOPA Foundation Advanced Rating Scholarships will provide multiple scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. Winners can use the awards to help fund training for an instrument rating, commercial pilot certificate, flight instructor certificate, instrument flight instructor certificate, or multiengine flight instructor certificate. AOPA membership is required to be eligible for an AOPA Foundation Advanced Rating Scholarship. Age requirements will vary depending on the certificate or rating sought.