Applying for the Navigate Your Future Scholarship

I'm a high school junior and I've been looking into scholarships to help fund my college education next year. I came across something called the Navigate Your Future Scholarship. Has anyone applied for this before? How competitive is it and what are the criteria to qualify? Any tips on making my application stand out would be really helpful. I could definitely use some guidance!

Hello,

The Navigate Your Future Scholarship is awarded by the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) to a graduating high school student who is continuing his or her education in the aviation industry. It's a $2,500 award aimed at helping students pursue a career in this expansive field.

In terms of application requirements and criteria, you must be a high school senior planning a career in the general aviation field and accepted into an aviation-related program at an accredited college or university. The application usually involves submitting an essay describing your career aspirations in the field of general aviation, your academic achievements, and any extra-curricular activities you have been involved in related to aviation.

The competition level can vary each year depending on the number of applications received. However, general aviation isn't as commonly pursued as some fields, which may possibly translate into fewer applicants than scholarships for more broadly applicable study areas, although this isn't a guaranteed rule.

As for making your application stand out, focus on your commitment and passion towards general aviation. What has driven your interest in this field and what goals do you hope to achieve within it? Be sure to highlight any initiatives you've taken in aviation, like special projects, internships, or even a part-time job at a local airport if that's the case for you. The committee is looking for applicants who show promise for contributing to the future of the industry, so showcase how your past experiences and future aspirations align with that.

If you have any Tier 2 or Tier 3 extracurriculars that relate to aviation, be sure to mention them. For example, if you founded or held a leadership position in a club related to aviation at your school or if you competed in aviation-related competitions, those could be beneficial to include.

Lastly, make sure to pay attention to the details. Proofread your application and essay to ensure they are free of errors and communicate your ideas clearly. Each component of your application should mutually reinforce your commitment to the field of general aviation.

I hope this provides you some guidance and best of luck with your application!