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Los Angeles County Air Show

Scholarships

Scholarships

Scholarships

Criteria

The Los Angeles County Air Show will be offering individual scholarships in the amount of $2,500 to graduating high school seniors planning to enroll in college/university level studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), or Aerospace, starting in the Fall 2018 semester.

Eligibility

Qualified applicants must maintain credits to graduate high school at the spring semester of 2018.

Qualified applicants must attend or be admitted to a college or university by the 2018 fall semester. Proof of registration will be required prior to the disbursement of scholarship funds to the institution.

Note: Scholarship awards are based on merit following a fair and transparent selection process. If no candidate is found with sufficient eligibility, the scholarship will remain in scholarship fund.

PART 1: APPLICANT INFORMATION

Complete the information on the application form provided; only online applications will be accepted.

Applicants under the age of 18 before June 2018 must provide Parent/Guardian information and secure the Parent/Guardian’s signature on the completed application form.

PART 2: SCHOLASTIC RECORD

PART 3: EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Provide a list or resume detailing your involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteering or community service and work or internship experience. You may also include hobbies and interests.

Indicate your level and timeframe of involvement with each activity, including any leadership roles.

PART 4: ESSAY

As an LA County Air Show STEM Scholarship applicant, you have indicated your interest in pursuing a career in STEM. Describe your college and career goals. Include your STEM field of interest, explain the factors and/or experiences that have influenced these goals and specific interest. Note any STEM projects that you collaborated with others on and what you learned. Also include any additional achievements in STEM you are most proud of and why.

PART 5: RECOMMENDATION LETTER

Only one letter of recommendation may be submitted. The letter must be from a person who has had an impact on your life and can speak to your STEM college and career goals. The letter of recommendation should be no longer than one page and include contact information of the individual submitting letter.

SUBMITTAL

All application components must be consolidated into a single e-mail with one or more MS Word or PDF attachments to: , with a subject line of “Scholarship Application: [Last Name, First Name]”.

Applications accepted up to: 12:00 a.m., Sunday, January 14, 2018.

The posting of scholarship recipients will appear on the LACAS website: www.lacountyairshow.com.

The LACAS website offers guidance in competing your application.

About the Scholarship Program

The Los Angeles County Air Show is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers, pilots, and scientists. Central to that mission is our scholarship program, which offers financial support to graduating high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional promise in STEM fields. Since its inception, the program has helped dozens of students pursue higher education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with a special emphasis on aerospace-related disciplines. Each year, we award multiple $2,500 scholarships to deserving individuals, funded through the generosity of our sponsors and community partners.

While the air show itself is a celebration of aviation, our commitment extends far beyond the event weekend. We believe that investing in education is the most powerful way to ensure a vibrant future for aerospace and technology industries. By providing scholarships, we aim to reduce financial barriers for students who have the talent and drive to succeed in challenging college programs. The scholarship is merit-based, and the selection process is fair, transparent, and entirely focused on the applicant's academic record, extracurricular involvement, and personal essay.

Recipients of the scholarship join a growing community of young leaders who are shaping the future of flight and exploration. While the award is a one-time grant of $2,500, its impact often goes well beyond the dollar amount—it affirms the recipient's potential and connects them to a network of peers and professionals who share their passion. We encourage all eligible students to apply, regardless of their background or previous exposure to aviation. The only requirement is a genuine interest in STEM and a commitment to academic excellence.

Why STEM Matters

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are the engines of innovation that drive our modern world. From the smartphones in our pockets to the satellites orbiting Earth, STEM fields touch every aspect of our lives. Yet the demand for skilled STEM professionals continues to outpace supply, particularly in aerospace and related industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in STEM occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. By supporting students who choose STEM majors, the Los Angeles County Air Show is helping to close that gap and ensure a bright future for our community and our country.

Aerospace is one of the most exciting and challenging STEM fields. It combines elements of physics, mathematics, computer science, and materials engineering to push the boundaries of what is possible. Whether it's designing more efficient aircraft, developing advanced spacecraft, or exploring the potential of unmanned systems, aerospace professionals are at the forefront of discovery. The air show's scholarship program specifically encourages students to consider aerospace pathways, whether they dream of becoming pilots, engineers, researchers, or entrepreneurs in the space industry.

But STEM education is about more than just jobs—it's about fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any career. Our scholarship seeks to recognize students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to tackle complex challenges. We believe that the next generation of innovators will come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to supporting all students who show promise in these fields.

How the Scholarship Works

The scholarship application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible. After submitting your complete application by the deadline, it will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of educators, industry professionals, and community leaders. The committee evaluates each application based on the criteria outlined in the eligibility and parts sections above. Because the scholarship is merit-based, the committee looks for evidence of academic achievement, passion for STEM, and potential for future success.

Once the selection committee has made its decisions, scholarship recipients will be notified and asked to provide proof of registration at an accredited college or university. The scholarship funds are then disbursed directly to the institution to be applied toward the student's tuition and fees. This ensures that the award is used for its intended purpose and helps the student focus on their studies rather than financial paperwork. Recipients are also invited to be recognized at the annual air show event, where they may have the opportunity to meet industry leaders and connect with other scholarship winners.

The scholarship is a one-time grant of $2,500, intended to help cover the cost of the student's first year of college. We encourage recipients to explore other scholarship opportunities for subsequent years and to stay connected with the Los Angeles County Air Show community through our website and social media channels. Additional opportunities, such as internships or mentorship programs, may be announced from time to time.

Tips for a Strong Application

A compelling application is one that clearly demonstrates your passion for STEM and your readiness for college-level work. Here are some tips to help you stand out:

  • Start early and give yourself plenty of time to gather materials, write your essay, and request a recommendation letter. Rushed applications often miss important details.
  • In the scholastic record section, honestly report your GPA, class rank, and any honors or awards. If you have taken AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses, be sure to highlight them as they show your willingness to challenge yourself.
  • For extracurricular activities, focus on quality over quantity. Emphasize roles where you took initiative, led others, or made a tangible impact. Whether it's a robotics club, a volunteer project, or a part-time job, explain what you learned and how it relates to your STEM interests.
  • Your essay is your chance to tell your story. Be specific about your STEM goals and experiences. Discuss a particular project, challenge, or moment that sparked your interest. Avoid vague statements; instead, give concrete examples that illustrate your dedication and curiosity.
  • Choose a recommender who knows you well and can speak honestly about your abilities and character. Give them at least two weeks' notice and provide a summary of your STEM activities to help them write a detailed letter.
  • Proofread everything carefully. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from an otherwise strong application. Ask a teacher or mentor to review your materials before submitting.

These tips are not requirements but suggestions based on what the selection committee tends to look for. Ultimately, be authentic and let your unique personality shine through.