Scholarships

 

about the Anh-Thu Memorial Scholarship

The Anh-Thu Memorial Scholarship honors our founder’s legacy of supporting Asian women pursuing education or careers in aviation and aerospace. This scholarship is open to all eligible applicants who share a passion for advancing diversity, leadership, and representation in the skies.

The Anh-Thu Memorial 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. 

Anh-Thu Nguyen forever flying in our hearts.

Apply via Google Form

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 for Anh-Thu Memorial Scholarship

  • AWAA member

  • 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)

Click here to submit a scholarship application

Previous scholarship winners:

2025: Nhu-Y Nguyen (Travel Grant recipient)

Scholarship committee: Josie Pham-Gia, Tam Nguyen, Hoa Dao, Irene Tang, Taylor Rei Ishida

For questions or more information, contact josephine@awa2.org and include in the email header subject “Anh-Thu Memorial Scholarship”