Aerium is proud to support students pursuing education, training, and careers across aviation, aerospace, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Through Aerium’s scholarship program, students receive financial support to help advance their education and professional training while building the skilled workforce needed to strengthen the future of the aviation and aerospace industries.
Each year, we are proud to recognize the students who are turning their passion for aviation into a career.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
In 2026, Aerium awarded $30,000 in scholarships to eight students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. Each recipient received a $3,750 scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement and commitment to building a future in the industry.
The scholarships were funded through Aerium’s job training fund, supporting workforce development and creating pathways for students entering aviation and aerospace careers.
Our Recipients:
Eli Aiken
Indiana, Pennsylvania Saint Francis University Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate
Eli James Aiken has been admitted to Saint Francis University’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate Program in Johnstown. Aviation maintenance technicians play an essential role in maintaining aircraft safety, reliability, and airworthiness, and Eli is preparing to enter one of the industry’s most critical workforce sectors.
Scholarship Impact
Aerium scholarship support will help fund educational expenses associated with Eli’s technical training and certification pathway in aviation maintenance.
Rowan Teagan Duffy is pursuing a degree in Aviation Management at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Current studies include aviation management research, aviation industry regulation, aviation safety management, and aviation communications. Through this coursework, Rowan is building the business, regulatory, and operational foundation necessary for leadership roles within the aviation industry.
Scholarship Impact
Aerium scholarship funding will be applied directly toward tuition expenses at Southern Illinois University. Rowan requested that the scholarship support Summer 2026 coursework, helping reduce educational costs while continuing progress toward an aviation management degree.
Ava Diane Funkhouser is enrolled in the Professional Pilot program at the Community College of Beaver County. Coursework includes Instrument Flight Theory and Instrument Flight Rating studies, providing the academic and flight training foundation needed for professional pilot certification and advancement.
Growing demand for qualified pilots continues throughout the aviation industry, and Ava is preparing to meet that need through rigorous classroom instruction and flight training.
Scholarship Impact
The Aerium Aviation Scholarship will help offset educational expenses associated with Ava’s pilot training program, allowing continued progress toward earning advanced ratings and certifications.
Logan Daniel Glessner of Berlin, Pennsylvania, has been admitted to Saint Francis University and accepted a 2026-2027 Aerium Aviation Scholarship. As Logan begins the next stage of postsecondary aviation education, scholarship support will help provide access to the resources and training necessary to build a successful aviation career.
Scholarship Impact
Scholarship funds will be applied directly through Saint Francis University’s Financial Aid Office to support Logan’s educational expenses and continued academic growth.
Samuel Kenneth Jacobs of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, is enrolled in FAA Part 141 Instrument Pilot Certification training through Nulton Aviation Services. Instrument flight training is a significant milestone in professional pilot development and prepares aviators to safely operate aircraft in a wider range of weather and operational conditions.
Scholarship Impact
Aerium scholarship funding will support flight training expenses and aviation education costs, helping Samuel continue advancing toward professional pilot qualifications.
Jackson H. Pawling of Oley, Pennsylvania, accepted a 2026-2027 Aerium Aviation Scholarship and is pursuing higher education through Marywood University. Through continued education and training, Jackson is developing the skills required to explore future opportunities within aviation and aerospace.
Scholarship Impact
Scholarship funds will be applied directly to educational expenses through Marywood University, reducing financial barriers while supporting long-term academic and career goals.
Railis Alexander Reyes-Rodriguez of Philadelphia is enrolled in the Professional Pilot Flight Training Program at Tailwinds Academy of Aviation, located at Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The program includes FAA flight training and aeronautical instruction designed to prepare students for careers as professional aviators.
Scholarship Impact
Scholarship funds will be paid directly to Tailwinds Academy of Aviation and applied toward eligible flight-training expenses associated with Railis’s professional pilot training pathway.
Ava Sitko is enrolled in Eastern Mennonite University’s Leadership & Management program with an Aviation concentration. The program combines aviation-focused studies with leadership training, preparing graduates for careers that require both aviation knowledge and organizational management skills.Ava’s aviation involvement extends beyond the classroom, with training experiences thatprovide a direct connection to aircraft operations and industry practice.
Scholarship Impact
Aerium scholarship funds will be sent directly to Eastern Mennonite University and applied toward educational expenses during the 2026-2027 academic year through the university’s Financial Aid Office.
Your support helps Aerium continue investing in students, expanding access to aviation and aerospace education, and creating pathways into high-demand careers across the industry.
By contributing to Aerium, you are helping provide scholarships, workforce development opportunities, hands-on learning experiences, and programs that prepare the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals.
Aerium is a Johnstown, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization and a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity (EIN: 92-1816542). Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
