Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation

The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation is a US nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting aviation education and supporting students pursuing careers in aircraft electronics and aviation maintenance. The foundation is closely associated with the Aircraft Electronics Association, which represents nearly 1300 member companies across more than 40 countries, focusing on approved maintenance and other aviation services.

Purpose and Activities

The primary goal of the AEA Educational Foundation is to identify and reward individuals who demonstrate qualities leading to success in the aircraft electronics and maintenance industry. It achieves this by offering scholarships to high school seniors and college students enrolled in or planning to attend accredited programs in avionics or aircraft maintenance.

Scholarship Programs

The foundation provides multiple scholarships, each with specific eligibility criteria and amounts, ranging from $1,000 to more than $35,000. Some notable scholarships include:

• Bill Barnes Memorial Scholarship, Chuck Peacock Memorial Scholarship, David Arver Memorial Scholarship, Dutch and Ginger Arver Scholarship, Johnny Davis Memorial Scholarship, and Kent McIntyre Memorial Scholarship: Each of these scholarships is available to students in avionics or aircraft maintenance programs.
• Gene Baker Memorial Scholarship: Open to AEA members, their children, grandchildren, or dependents, for any field of study.
• Jim Cook Honorary Scholarship: For AEA members to attend training courses.
• Chuck Freeland Memorial Scholarship for Flight Training: Supports employees of AEA member companies pursuing a recreational or private pilot certificate.

Financial Impact

Since its inception, the AEA Educational Foundation has awarded over $1.5 million to students in the aviation industry. This substantial financial support underscores the organization's commitment to fostering education and talent development in this sector.

Structure and Funding

As a nonprofit organization, the AEA Educational Foundation manages its operations and scholarships through donations and support from the aviation community. It relies on its affiliation with the Aircraft Electronics Association to reach a wide network of professionals and companies within the industry.