The Academy of Model Aeronautics has been helping graduating seniors achieve their dreams since 1970 and is celebrating reaching a total of more than $1 million in awarded scholarships. The scholarships are created through funds donated by model aviation organizations and individuals, AMA members, and a portion of AMA member dues.
The amount and number of scholarships awarded each year depend, to a large extent, upon the number of applicants and their qualifications. All applications will be considered and evaluated by the AMA Scholarship Committee, which will then make a recommendation to the Executive Council (AMA's Board of Directors). If you would like more information or have questions about the scholarships offered by the AMA, please contact Gwen Mathis at (765) 287-1256, ext. 514.
AMA and the AMA Foundation want to thank each family that has contributed to the memorial scholarships, as well as the hundreds of other donors to the scholarship program. Without their generous contributions, these gifts would not be possible.
Scholarship applications open each year approximately the beginning of October. You can learn more about our 2024 scholarship recipients here.
In choosing the recipients for the AMA/Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Program, several important criteria are taken into consideration. The most desirable applicant is a graduating senior who is academically superior and is also a participant in many aspects of high school, modeling, and the community. The applicants are rated in several major categories, including grade point average and test results. High achievement in all of the categories is important for the maximum amount to be awarded to an individual. However, a person who is not at the top of his or her class may win a significant scholarship award if he or she is active in the community, in aeromodeling, or both. All facets of an applicant’s background are taken into consideration and a well-rounded person may well be more qualified than one who excels only in school grades or in modeling.
The following scholarships are each awarded to a single applicant. You will have the option at points of your application form to apply for either of the following for which you are eligible:
- The Cliff & Nancy Telford Scholarship award ($5,000 value) is given annually to the individual with the best competitive record, based on participation in activities within the AMA and FAI classifications. All students - both graduating high school seniors and currently enrolled post-secondary students - are invited to apply.
If you are a graduating high school senior:
- The Ryan M. Sherrow Memorial Scholarship ($500 value) is based on a graduating high school senior’s overall involvement in the hobby of model aviation.
If you are a currently enrolled as a post-secondary student:
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The Basil & Dorothy Cooper Memorial Scholarship ($500 value) is given annually to an individual applicant pursuing an engineering or technical degree.
Watch a video of the 2023 scholarship recipients.
