Scholarship opportunities for high school seniors planning to attend a college, university, or vocational school in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) related to the field of aviation or aerospace.


Available Scholarships:

Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements, expectations and application questions. Please read carefully before applying and reach out to Scholarships@museumofflight.org if you have questions.

The 2024 scholarship application period is closed. Good luck to all applicants!


Frank "Sam" and Betty Houston Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship

For high school seniors planning to attend a college or university in science, engineering, or mathematics related to the field of aerospace. One student will receive a 4-year college, university or other post-secondary institution scholarship of up to $30,000 annually for four years. 

This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of two donors: Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston – Frank Houston flew B-17s during World War II, was a Boeing 747 Captain for Northwest Airlines, an esteemed member of “Quiet Birdmen,” as well as a former member and Trustee of The Museum of Flight. His wife Betty, who also worked for Northwest Airlines, created this endowment in memory of her husband to support youth who are passionate about studying science, technology, engineering, and/or math in order to pursue careers in aerospace.


Award Amount: up to $30,000/annually for four years
Award Qty: 1
Deadline to Apply: February 4, 2024

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen residing in the state of Washington.
  • Be a high school senior.
  • Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Participated in at least 40 hours of programs supported by The Museum of Flight. For example, Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS), Museum Apprentice Program (MAP), Private Pilot Ground School, Aeronautical Science Pathway, Raisbeck Aviation High School, and/or other programs sponsored by the Museum.
  • Have taken a minimum of four years of high school mathematics and four years of high school science.
  • Plans to major in a field related to aerospace.
  • Recipient must enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in a college, university or other post-secondary institution located in the U.S. by Fall 2024 and remain on full-time status over the four years that the scholarship will be awarded.
  • At the time of declaring a major, recipients must indicate a major in a field of science, engineering, or mathematics that is clearly connected to the field of aerospace (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Science, Commercial Flight, Astrophysics, Astronautics, Global Security). Recipient must stay with an aerospace-related major throughout the course of their college career. Annual documentation is required.
  • Recipient must maintain a college GPA of at least 3.0. Annual documentation is required.
  • Recipient and at least one parent/guardian must attend the Scholarship Celebration scheduled for May 9, 2024.

General Information:

  • Financial need will be a consideration in the selection process.
  • Preference will be given to applicants who have not received a substantial scholarship or scholarships from other organizations.
  • Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the college, university or other post-secondary institution and may be used for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, student fees, books, room and board, and supplies or equipment required for enrollment.

Application Questions:

A 350-word response to the Question: After researching the scholarship sponsors Frank “Sam” and Betty Houston, describe how the traits and characteristics that define these accomplished leaders are reflected in you. Be sure to address the traits exhibited by the Houstons as well as how these apply to you.

A 1,000-word response to the Question: Why do you want to pursue a course of study in science, engineering, or mathematics that leads to a career in aerospace? In your essay, please tell us how you acquired your interests and what you have done so far to prepare for your post-high school pursuit of an aerospace degree and entry into the aerospace workforce. Be specific about your long-term goals, and their connections to flight, space, and/or engineering. Note: if you have already submitted an essay for this same essay prompt for another scholarship application, you may copy and paste that essay here.



Jim and Sue Johnson Post-Secondary STEM Education Scholarship

For high school seniors planning to attend a college, university or other post-secondary institution with focus in science, engineering, or mathematics-related to the field of aerospace. One student will receive a $5,000 scholarship.

This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of two donors: Jim and Sue Johnson – Jim Johnson worked for Boeing for 28 years and was part of the team that developed the first Boeing 747 airliner in the 1960’s. With degrees in aerospace engineering and business administration, he served in several positions at Boeing, with a career that also included the presidency of three aerospace companies. Because he credits college instructors with having ignited his passion for math and science, Jim wants to help other students with similar interests.


Award Amount: $5,000 with opportunity for renewal
Award Qty: 1
Deadline to Apply: February 4, 2024

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen residing in the state of Washington.
  • Be a high school senior.
  • Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Participated in at least 40 hours of programs supported by The Museum of Flight. For example, Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS), Museum Apprentice Program (MAP), Private Pilot Ground School, Aeronautical Science Pathway, Raisbeck Aviation High School, and/or other programs sponsored by the Museum.
  • Have taken a minimum of four years of high school mathematics, four years of high school science including: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and English literature and composition (or other comparable course) Note: If your school does not offer one of the required courses listed, you must submit a letter from a counselor at your school documenting this information.
  • Plans to major in a STEM field related to aerospace.
  • Recipient and at least one parent/guardian must attend the Scholarship Celebration scheduled for May 9, 2024.

General Information:

  • Financial need will be a consideration in the selection process.
  • Preference will be given to applicants who have not received a substantial scholarship or scholarships from other organizations.
  • Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the college, university or other post-secondary institution and may be used for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, student fees, books, room and board, and supplies or equipment required for enrollment.

  • If recipient receives a full scholarship from another organization following receipt of a Museum of Flight scholarship, they must immediately notify the Museum at Scholarships@museumofflight.org.

Application Questions:

A 350-word response to the Question: After researching the scholarship sponsors Jim and Sue Johnson, describe how the traits and characteristics that define these accomplished leaders are reflected in you. Be sure to address the traits exhibited by the Houstons as well as how these apply to you.

A 1,000-word response to the Question: Why do you want to pursue a course of study in science, engineering, or mathematics that leads to a career in aerospace? In your essay, please tell us how you acquired your interests and what you have done so far to prepare for your post-high school pursuit of an aerospace degree and entry into the aerospace workforce. Be specific about your long-term goals, and their connections to flight, space, and/or engineering. Note: if you have already submitted an essay for this same essay prompt for another scholarship application, you may copy and paste that essay here.



Reba Gilman Endowed Scholarship

For high school students pursuing post-secondary education in STEM and aerospace-related fields of study. Two students will receive a $5,000 scholarship.

This scholarship is made possible by donors in honor of Reba Gilman. Reba, who served as a former VP of Education at The Museum of Flight and was founding Principal/CEO of Raisbeck Aviation High School (RAHS), is a quintessential educator. She served as a business and marketing teacher, a career and technical education administrator, a private sector consultant as well as owner and operator of a retail business. It is the combination of these skills and experiences and her entrepreneurial spirit which led Reba to develop the innovative high school to facilitate learning in the context of what interested and motivates students. The creation of RAHS was an experiment in public education that crossed district and political boundaries, creating a new model for education delivery. The donors want to encourage students with the same entrepreneurial spirit as Reba to pursue their goals with this scholarship.


Award Amount: $5,000
Award Qty: 2
Deadline to Apply: February 4, 2024

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be a high school senior.
  • Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Participated in at least 40 hours of programs supported by The Museum of Flight. For example, Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS), Museum Apprentice Program (MAP), Private Pilot Ground School, Aeronautical Science Pathway, Raisbeck Aviation High School, and/or other programs sponsored by the Museum.
  • Recipient must enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in a college, university or other post-secondary institution located in the U.S. by Fall 2024.
  • At the time of declaring a major, recipient must indicate a major in a field of science, engineering, or mathematics that is clearly connected to the field of aerospace (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Science, Commercial Flight, Astrophysics, Astronautics, Global Security).
  • Recipient and at least one parent/guardian must attend the Scholarship Celebration scheduled for May 9, 2024.


General Information:

  • Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need.
  • Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate experience with and future commitment to academic excellence, dedication to STEM and/or aerospace curriculum, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to one’s community.
  • Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the college, university or other post-secondary institution and may be used for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, student fees, books, room and board, and supplies or equipment required for enrollment.

  • If recipient receives a full scholarship from another organization following receipt of a Museum of Flight scholarship, they must immediately notify the Museum at Scholarships@museumofflight.org.


Application Questions:

In 350-words, how would you define an “entrepreneurial spirit” and explain how it is reflected in you.

A 1,000-word response to the Question: Why do you want to pursue a course of study in science, engineering, or mathematics that leads to a career in aviation or aerospace? In your essay, please tell us how you acquired your interests and what you have done so far to prepare for your post-high school pursuit of an aviation/aerospace degree and entry into the aviation/aerospace workforce. Be specific about your long-term goals, and their connections to flight, space, and/or engineering. Note: if you have already submitted an essay for this same essay prompt for another scholarship application, you may copy and paste that essay here.



Stephen and Hazel Eastman Memorial Scholarship

One scholarship of $5,000 is available to high school seniors who have participated in one or more select educational programs in the Boeing Academy for STEM Learning. 

This scholarship is made possible by the Eastman Family in honor of their grandfather, Stephen Eastman, who was a long time Museum advocate, who spent countless hours securing and restoring many of the Museum’s artifacts. The reward is intended as a means to encourage a continued relationship between the student and the Museum as the student moves on to post-secondary education.


Award Amount: $5,000
Award Qty: 1
Deadline to Apply: February 4, 2024

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be a high school senior.
  • Participated in at least 40 hours of programs supported by The Museum of Flight. For example, Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS), Museum Apprentice Program (MAP), Private Pilot Ground School, Aeronautical Science Pathway, Raisbeck Aviation High School, and/or other programs sponsored by the Museum.
  • Recipient and at least one parent/guardian must attend the Scholarship Celebration scheduled for May 9, 2024.


General Information:

  • Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the college, university or other post-secondary institution and may be used for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, student fees, books, room and board, and supplies or equipment required for enrollment.
  • Awarded funds must be used within 3 years. Scholarship funds that are not used will be considered null, returned to The Museum of Flight and awarded at a later date.
  • If recipient receives a full scholarship from another organization following receipt of a Museum of Flight scholarship, they must immediately notify the Museum at Scholarships@museumofflight.org


Application Questions:

A 1,000-word essay that includes all of The Museum of Flight education programs in which you have participated, how your engagement in these programs has enhanced your learning, and the difference that will be made in your life and career as a result of being immersed in aerospace, science, and flight during your experiences at The Museum of Flight.



Stuart Knopp Memorial Scholarship

One scholarship of $5,000 is available to high school seniors who have participated in one or more select educational programs in the Boeing Academy for STEM Learning.

This scholarship is made possible by the Knopp family in honor of their father, Stuart Knopp, who was an aviator, business professional and Museum Trustee. He loved to fly and had a passion for community service throughout his life. The reward is intended as a means to encourage a continued relationship between the student and the Museum as the student moves on to post-secondary education.


Award Amount: $5,000
Award Qty: 1
Deadline to Apply: February 4, 2024

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be a high school senior.
  • Participated in at least 40 hours of programs supported by The Museum of Flight. For example, Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS), Museum Apprentice Program (MAP), Private Pilot Ground School, Aeronautical Science Pathway, Raisbeck Aviation High School, and/or other programs sponsored by the Museum.
  • Recipient and at least one parent/guardian must attend the Scholarship Celebration scheduled for May 9, 2024.


General Information:

  • Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the college, university or other post-secondary institution and may be used for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, student fees, books, room and board, and supplies or equipment required for enrollment.
  • Awarded funds must be used within 3 years. Scholarship funds that are not used will be considered null, returned to The Museum of Flight and awarded at a later date.
  • If recipient receives a full scholarship from another organization following receipt of a Museum of Flight scholarship, they must immediately notify the Museum at Scholarships@museumofflight.org


Application Questions:

A 1,000-word essay that includes all of The Museum of Flight education programs in which you have participated, how your engagement in these programs has enhanced your learning, and the difference that will be made in your life and career as a result of being immersed in aerospace, science, and flight during your experiences at The Museum of Flight.