Scholarship and Grant Overview
2024 Scholarship Recipients
Available
Scholarships & Grants
Individual grants
A growing shortage of pilots and aviation mechanics currently impacts the local, national aviation industry. High paying, exciting careers await those who have interest in these fields – and the training and jobs exist right here in Hawaii. Working with many local organizations, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum designed a program called Aviation Pathways to help Hawaii youth pursue their aviation dreams and preparing them for an exciting career in aviation.
The “pathway” from sharing an interest in aviation to preparing for a job in the aviation/aerospace field is challenging and often, cost prohibitive. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum has introduced a new program to help Hawaii youth negotiate these challenges called Aviation Pathways, a continuum of educational challenges, experiences, and a social network designed to provide the mentorship, and coaching to help students reach their goals of flight. As part of this initiative, an Aviation Pathways Grant is being offered to provide the financial support to help students succeed.
Applications are now closed for the Aviation Pathways Grant, supported by the Ray Foundation. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to help young adults achieve their private pilot’s license (PPL).
About Aviation Pathways
Realizing that pursuing an aviation career or private pilot’s license can be very challenging, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is pioneering a new program designed to support youth who have an interest in flying, either as part of a career or to advance a more personal goal. Aviation Pathways provides direction, educational support, mentors who provide guidance, and scholarship support to enable young people to pursue these goals – leading to a challenging and exciting aviation career. The Aviation Pathways Scholarship facilitates attainment of the PPL as a first step.
About The Ray Foundation
The Ray Foundation Inc, a private aviation grant-making foundation, supports aviation programs and organizations that help students develop life skills such as honest, good word ethic, self-confidence and self-discipline in young adults. Founders, James C. and Joan L. Ray, felt these attributes are essential to a young person in order to truly be free to pursue their dreams in aviation.
For more information on this opportunity and/or to apply, CLICK HERE
Education and Youth Organization Scholarships
Robert Szul, known as Bob, was a distinguished Vietnam War combat veteran and dedicated volunteer with Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Bob always had a passion for serving his community. He was a graduate of Brown University and Texas Christian University, receiving a master’s degree in public administration. His calling to serve continued when Bob entered the Air Force in 1969. He flew combat missions in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor and the Meritorious Service Medal, and received other commendations for his dedication and bravery. Bob retired as a Colonel for the U.S. Air Force but stayed in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, continuing his patriotic duty by working for Homeland Security after 9/11. After retirement, Bob moved to Hawaii and became an active volunteer at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. There, he found his calling in supporting education programs, where he worked to help build, and maintain, a safe and fun educational experience for youth. Through his exceptional character, he was able to convey his love of flight along with the instilled values from his own military training and service. Bob also served as a mentor and advocate for young people, knowing his own aviation experience inspired and motivated students with whom he connected. At the Museum, Bob reliably and consistently volunteered for education programs. He saw first-hand how involvement in these programs supported future goals, achievement, and success.
The Col. Robert F. Szul Scholarship will provide scholarships for the upcoming 2025 Flight School for Girls Summer Camp. Happening July 21 -25, 2025 at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, girls in grades 6 -8 will spend an action-packed week discovering the world of aviation through fast-paced STEM activities. Girls will experiment with the forces of flight, learn about weather and atmosphere, explore the history of aviation in Hawaii, tackle a real-world problem using aviation assets, talk story with aviation professionals, and much more!
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Peter Starn Youth Educational Endowment
The Peter Starn Educational Endowment will support educational programs and experiences that advance aviation knowledge and understanding, and introduce large numbers of Hawaii and visiting youth to the character and values Peter Starn held dear.
Peter Starn, the Vice Chairman of the Board, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and Chief Legal Council, passed away after a quiet year-long battle with cancer. He was one of the earliest members of the Board and devoted countless hours to the development of the Museum’s strategic direction, deserving a large amount of the credit for the Museum’s success to date. As a Marine, he earned his Naval Aviator wings and went on to fly both fixed and rotor wing aircraft. During his tour in Vietnam, he flew hundreds of low-level missions in the CH-53, Jolly Green Giant, and was awarded numerous commendations, including thirteen Air Medals. Peter leaves a void in the Museum family, and he will be missed in the years ahead, but he would want to keep moving the Museum forward. As his children Paris, Andy, and Sean would say, “Peter loved the Museum and wanted it to be the best.”
Interested teachers or youth group advisors who seek support to bring their students to the museum should contact our Education Department. Please email [email protected] or call 808-445-9137 for more information.
Individual Scholarships
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (PHAM) Educational Endowment was established in 2021 to fund PHAM educational efforts and to award scholarships for individuals committed to a career in aviation. The Endowment was funded with $1,000,000 by the Rick & Teresa Price Family as a condition in the sale of a division of their Hawaii based company to Oil Changers, Inc. in January 2020. Distribution from the endowment funds the For Love of Country Scholarship, providing up to $10,000 to individuals whose commitment to an aviation career is evident.
For full details on scholarship requirements and minimum qualifications, click the “Apply” button above.
Questions? Contact [email protected].
Admiral Ronald J. Hays’ life and career are a testament to how one can rise from a modest beginning and through hard work and dedication achieve great success while serving one’s nation. His military career included service as a test pilot and more than 160 combat missions over North Vietnam. Admiral Hays was promoted to increasing senior assignments including Carrier Group Commander, Commander in Chief of US Naval Forces Europe, Vice Chief of Naval Operations and in 1985, appointment as Commander in Chief Pacific Forces (CINCPAC) known today as U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. He retired from the Navy in 1988 and began a long-standing involvement in community service. He was particularly proud of serving as the Chairman of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum for many years and was instrumental in the Museum’s growth.
Established within the endowment of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, the interest from this fund in perpetuity will be distributed to young people who demonstrate the qualities of leadership, patriotism and service to their community. Scholarship awards will be applied to support academic and/or skills development with flight training as primary focus. Though open to all, preference will be given to qualified applicants from Louisiana and Hawaii.
For full details on scholarship requirements and minimum qualifications, click the “Apply” button above.
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Aviation had a lasting impact on the lives of both Brig Gen Robert “Bob” Maguire and his wife, Judith “Judy” Maguire. Born on December 5, 1924, Bob Maguire was too young for military service during WWII, but dreamed of one day having a future as a military pilot. He earned his wings at age 19 and soon began flying B-26, B-24, and B-17 aircraft stateside. This was just the start of what would become a legendary career in aviation.
In 1947, Bob moved to Hawaii, where he joined the Hawaii Air National Guard (HIANG) to fly P-47 fighters. In 1950, he became a pilot with Hawaiian Airlines. Sixteen years later, in 1966, he ferried the state's first inter-island jet, a DC-9, to Honolulu and managed the airline's transition to jets as Director of Flying (later VP of Operations).
In 1972, he was promoted to Brigadier General and became Commander of HIANG, a position he held until retiring in 1976.
Judy’s interest in aviation began while working as the manager of Inter Island Restaurant Operations for Host International at the Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu. It was here that she met Bob Maguire, her future husband. She soon became a ticket sales agent for Continental Airlines, where she shared Bob’s passion for aviation and helping others.
Bob and Judy were married for 43 wonderful years. Because of their commitment to and love for aviation, Judy wanted to honor Bob’s legacy through a special fund at the Museum. With their generous gift, the Brig Gen Robert and Judith Maguire Scholarship Fund was established. Through this scholarship, both Judy and Bob hope to help young people pursue their dreams of flight.
For full details on scholarship requirements and minimum qualifications, click the “Apply” button above.
Questions? Contact [email protected]
The Col. Robert P. Moore Scholarship – Initial Pilot Training supports students in acquiring their initial FAA aircraft pilot certificate. The scholarship can be used for any level pilot certificate, including: 1) private, sport, recreation, and 2) in any category of aircraft—airplane, rotorcraft, glider, or LTA. Drone pilot category certification is NOT approved. The applicant must have already been issued the FAA-Student Pilot Certificate for the initial pilot certificate. A copy of the certificate must be provided with the scholarship application.
For full details on scholarship requirements and minimum qualifications, click the “Apply” button above.
Questions? Contact [email protected]
The Robert P. Moore Scholarship – FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Awarded to FAA Commercial Pilots (or ATPs) getting their initial or additional FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate in any FAA Category aircraft, again Drone pilot category certificate is NOT approved. The applicant must have already satisfactorily completed the FAA-required written test(s) for the CFI certificate, if applicable. A copy of the test completion certificate(s) must be provided with the scholarship application.
Prior to awarding the scholarship, the applicant must provide an acceptance letter and course content from the selected vocational school, college, or university. Funds will be mailed/wired directly to the institution. If training through a FAR Part 61 or 141 course, funds will be mailed/disbursed after solo for the Initial Flight Training Scholarship.
For full details on scholarship requirements and minimum qualifications, click the “Apply” button above.
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Frank Der Yuen was an internationally respected aeronautical engineer, airline executive, and consultant. A graduate of Harvard and MIT, he designed the all-weather, self-propelled passenger loading bridges for airliners that are used in every major airport. Mr. Der Yuen served as Executive Director of the Honolulu Airlines Committee, and vice president of Aloha Airlines. He was one of the designers of the Daniel K. Inouye (Honolulu) International Airport, and helped create Pacific Aerospace Museum once housed there.
The Frank Der Yuen Aviation Scholarship honors the aviation legacy of Frank Der Yuen. It is a competitive program that supports Hawaii residents who want to pursue aviation-related education and training. Financial grants of at least $1,000 are awarded each year to Hawaii residents who have been accepted, or are enrolled, in an aviation-related program at an accredited trade school, college, or university. Awards will be made without regard to gender, race, religion, or national origin.
For full details on scholarship requirements and minimum qualifications, click the “Apply” button above.
Questions? Contact [email protected]
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Aviation Pathways grants
A growing shortage of pilots and aviation mechanics currently impacts the local, national aviation industry. High paying, exciting careers await those who have interest in these fields – and the training and jobs exist right here in Hawaii. Working with many local organizations, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum designed a program called Aviation Pathways to help Hawaii youth pursue their aviation dreams and preparing them for an exciting career in aviation.
The “pathway” from sharing an interest in aviation to preparing for a job in the aviation/aerospace field is challenging and often, cost prohibitive. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum has introduced a new program to help Hawaii youth negotiate these challenges called Aviation Pathways, a continuum of educational challenges, experiences, and a social network designed to provide the mentorship, and coaching to help students reach their goals of flight. As part of this initiative, an Aviation Pathways Grant is being offered to provide the financial support to help students succeed.
Applications will be accepted starting April 30th for the Aviation Pathways Grant, supported by the Ray Foundation. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to help young adults achieve their private pilot’s license (PPL).
About Aviation Pathways
Realizing that pursuing an aviation career or private pilot’s license can be very challenging, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is pioneering a new program designed to support youth who have an interest in flying, either as part of a career or to advance a more personal goal. Aviation Pathways provides direction, educational support, mentors who provide guidance, and scholarship support to enable young people to pursue these goals – leading to a challenging and exciting aviation career. The Aviation Pathways Scholarship facilitates attainment of the PPL as a first step.
About The Ray Foundation
The Ray Foundation Inc, a private aviation grant-making foundation, supports aviation programs and organizations that help students develop life skills such as honest, good word ethic, self-confidence and self-discipline in young adults. Founders, James C. and Joan L. Ray, felt these attributes are essential to a young person in order to truly be free to pursue their dreams in aviation.
