How can I qualify for Civil Air Patrol scholarships for college?

I've been involved with the Civil Air Patrol and I'm curious about any scholarships available for college. How do I apply, and what criteria do I need to meet to increase my chances of getting one?

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) does offer several scholarships to members. These fall into two categories, flight scholarships and academic scholarships. Here are some specifics for each:

For Flight Scholarships: These scholarships are designed to help CAP cadets that want to learn how to fly or wish to advance their current ratings. Eligibility usually requires a minimum GPA, a defined level of CAP achievement (like the Mitchell Award), and an FAA medical certificate (for powered flight scholarships).

For Academic Scholarships: These are for CAP members (both seniors and cadets) who are currently enrolled in college or entering in the fall. Different scholarships have different requirements, but they often include a certain GPA requirement and documented participation in CAP activities or similar volunteer programs. Some scholarships are designed for specific fields of study, like aerospace, engineering, or the sciences.

To increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, you should aim to excel academically and take on leadership roles in the CAP. Demonstrate lots of involvement and interest in relevant fields, make sure you meet all the qualifications, and when the time comes, put together a strong application with well-written essays.

Regarding applying, the CAP doesn't publish scholarship deadlines or application forms year-round. Instead, they usually release the new forms around December and leave the application window open through January. Keep an eye on the official CAP website around these months to access this information.

Remember, you should always aim to submit your application as early as possible. This will give you ample time to troubleshoot any problems that arise and will demonstrate your commitment and organization, which reflects positively on your scholarship consideration.