Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award
Scholarship Sponsored by General Aviation Manufacturers Association
Introduction
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is a global trade organization committed to promoting the safety, prosperity, and interests of business and general aviation worldwide. Its membership includes more than 140 leading producers of general aviation aircraft, engines, avionics, and parts, as well as organizations that operate maintenance shops, fixed-base operations (FBOs), aircraft fleets, and pilot/training schools. As part of its mission to support aviation careers, GAMA annually presents the Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award.
Who is eligible
To qualify for the award, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a current student at a U.S. high school and scheduled to graduate in Spring 2026.
- Have been accepted to — and plan to enroll in — a postsecondary program focused on aviation (examples include flight training, aviation management, aerospace engineering, or aviation maintenance).
- Hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Required application materials
Submit the following items as part of your application:
- Completed application form
- Response to the essay question
- Official or current high school transcript
- Up to two letters of recommendation (maximum of two)
Evaluation criteria
Candidates will be evaluated based on academic performance, participation in extracurricular activities, and the quality of their essay response.