The Anh Thu Memorial Aviation Scholarship was created with the help of generous donations by supporters of Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation (AWAA) to honor her mission advancing others to reach their aviation dreams. It was her passion for flying and her relentless pursuit to break barriers that helped many young Asian female pilots build a community of support and learning.
AWAA wants to continue her legacy posthumously by providing this scholarship to the aviation community on an annual basis. Anyone who supports the mission of Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation is welcome and encouraged to apply.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time by January 31, 2026. The award winner will be notified by March 31, 2026.
Funds can be used for airplane rental costs, flight instructor dues, ground school costs, flight training, ground school class, or general flying club dues. The scholarship award includes mentorship and lifetime membership with AWAA.
We award one $2,500 scholarship per year to be used at:
Dragon Flight Training Academy
7201 S Airport Rd Unit 604
Pembroke Pines, Florida 33023
The scholarship must be used at the Dragon Flight Training Academy at North Perry Airport: the funds will be managed by AWAA. The academy offers single and multi engine aircraft and equipment rentals, ground school classes that also include exam prep and mentorship.
Eligibility Requirements:
AWAA member (for those who are not yet members, awa2.org/join-awaa)
16+ years old at application
Currently residing or willing to relocate to South Florida for training at Dragon Flight Academy in Pembroke Pines, Florida
Completed one or more solo flight
Minimum of 10 flight hours logged in the past year
FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test Complete
Memorial Scholarship Essay (1000 word max), touching on the following topics:
What inspired you to pursue aviation?
What are your short and long-term flying goals?
What is your education level and work experiences?
Did you face any adversity in pursuing your goals and what did you learn from it?
What are some unique qualities that set you apart?
How do/will you contribute to encourage, empower, and uplift future Asian women pilots, Aerospace Engineers, and/or STEM professionals?
Required attachments:
Copies of Pilot Certificate(s) - front and back
Copy of current Medical Certificate
Copies of FAA Written Knowledge Test Exam(s)
Copies of last 2 logbook pages (dated and signed) that show Total Flight Hours
Student Pilots - a copy of logbook solo entry and endorsement
Resume
2 Letters of Recommendation (one from a current flight instructor is preferred, 1 page max for each letter)
For questions or more information, contact josephine@awa2.org and include in the email header subject “Memorial Scholarship”