Like the MacArthur Foundation but for budding avionics techs, the swath of scholarships awarded each year through the AEA Foundation offers nearly 20 opportunities for aspirants in the field to build their knowledge, up their certification status, and improve their attractiveness to future (or current) employers. The foundation was created in 1990 to “enhance, promote and secure the future of aviation maintenance by supporting education and professional development,” according to its charter.
Though you may not have thought of supporting your dreams of flight with a career in avionics, the potential to make a great living while doing something really interesting and fulfilling is high. Many of the awards represent tributes to those who have served decades in the avionics industry, as leaders, innovators, and friends.
“The aviation industry’s future depends on attracting and developing talented professionals, and that effort starts with education,” said AEA President and CEO Mike Adamson in a response to AvBrief. “Through the AEA Educational Foundation scholarship program, we’ve invested in the next generation of avionics technicians and aviation maintenance professionals since 1990. These scholarships provide more than financial assistance. They create pathways to specialized training, career advancement, and long-term success while helping build the skilled workforce our industry needs to thrive.”
The honorees for 2026-2027 include:
- Aircraft Lighting International Scholarship: Dominic Gallegos, Aurora, Colorado
- Dutch and Ginger Arver Memorial Scholarship: Reilly Zeskand, Meriden, Connecticut
- Garmin Scholarship: Daniel Gonzalez, Dumont, New Jersey
- Gene Baker Memorial Scholarship: Natalie Fernandes, Lincoln, Nebraska
- Gogo Scholarship: Diarra Trim, Silver Spring, Maryland
- James Hammond Joubert Memorial Scholarship: Ekansh Singh, Roswell, Georgia
- Jim Cook Honorary Scholarship: Keith Falkner, Standish, Maine
- Johnny Davis Memorial Scholarship: Coda Riggs, Scipio, Utah
- Kevin Miesbach Memorial Scholarship: Arle Madrigal, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Lee Tarbox Memorial Scholarship sponsored by Pacific Southwest Instruments: Simon Maioho, Sand Lake, Michigan
- Marshall Temple Memorial Scholarship: Logan Compton, Ormond Beach, Florida
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics Scholarship: Trenton Ellison, Wyoming, Michigan
- Monte Mitchell Scholarship: Karla Nunez of Airport Radio, Avoca, Pennsylvania; and Aaron Potyk of McCreery Aviation, McAllen, Texas
- Pat Napolitano Memorial Scholarship: Geraldine Villarreal, Coconut Creek, Florida
- Sporty’s Foundation Private Pilot Training Scholarship: Karla Nunez, Pittston, Pennsylvania
- Susan T. Friedle Scholarship: Natalie Smeltzer, Holland, Michigan
- Universal Avionics Scholarship: Jacob Kitten, Lincoln, Nebraska
The awards are given annually at various times throughout the year through a digital process, but many of the sponsoring companies can be found at the association’s annual convention. The next one will take place in Savannah, Georgia, from March 23-26, 2027.
