Vertical Flight Foundation Scholarships

Each year, Vertical Flight Foundation (VFF) scholarships are awarded to college students demonstrating an interest in pursuing engineering related careers in vertical flight technology. The Foundation scholarship awards are made possible solely by tax-deductible donations that have been established and contribute to an endowment.

The VFF scholarships are solely merit-based and the value of the scholarships range from $4,000 up to $6,000 (USD). The program is open to full-time students attending a university or college located anywhere in the world and regardless of a student's nationality.

The overall top ranking applicant receives the $6,000 Bell scholarship award, provided by a VFF endowment from the company. In addition, the applicant who shows the most interest and appreciation on the importance of improving vertical flight affordability will be considered for the Jing Yen Cost Awareness scholarship worth up to $6,000, generously donated by Dr. Jing Yen.

Thank you for your interest in applying for a Vertical Flight Foundation scholarship! Please read all of the guidelines before you begin your application VFF Scholarship Guidelines (PDF). Feb. 1, 2025 is the submission due date for ALL VFF scholarship documents.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a scholarship:

• A student does not need to be a member of the Vertical Flight Society, but we encourage you to explore the many benefits student membership can provide.
• High school students are not eligible.
• All applicants must be full-time students at the time of application (February). In addition, the student must be registered in the relevant engineering degree program at least one (1) academic term after the scholarship awards, which are presented at the Society's Annual Forum in May.
• Technical disciplines related to complex aeronautics engineering or aviation systems, even if not considered vertical lift engineering, will receive equal consideration.
• A student can receive an award once as an Undergraduate, once as a Master's student, and once as a Graduate student.
• In order to qualify for consideration of the Jing Yen Cost Awareness scholarship of $6000, an applicant must demonstrate a detailed interest and appreciation on the importance of affordability and how it might be improved within the vertical flight community. Affordability information should be highlighted via an applicant's narrative and resume.

Eligibility for each category is as follows:

Undergraduate / Bachelor's (BS) Degree Category

• A college student pursuing an eligible engineering undergraduate degree.
• The student will have at least one-term of university work towards the relevant Bachelor's program, after the awarding of scholarships at the Annual Forum, May 20-22, 2025.
• Note:
  • A senior graduating in May of 2025 is eligible to apply for the MS category if they will be continuing immediately after graduation studies program, either MS, PhD, or MS/PhD combined graduate studies program. If the senior is not accepted into a relevant graduate program by May 2025, the student is not eligible.
  • A senior graduating with a BS degree in May 2025 is NOT eligible to apply in the BS Category.

Master of Science (MS) Degree Category

• A masters student pursuing an eligible MS engineering degree.
• The student will have at least one-term of university work towards their current MS program, after the awarding of scholarships at the Annual Forum, May 20-22, 2025.
• Note: if in a combined Masters/PhD program, the student is eligible under the MS category if they have not passed qualifying exams as of the application deadline in February 2025 and do not already have an MS degree.

Doctoral (PhD) Degree Category

• A graduate student who already has an MS engineering degree or is in a combined MS/PhD program and verification of formally meeting doctoral degree requirement such as qualifying exams.
• The student will have at least one-term remaining in their current PhD program, after the awarding of scholarships at the Annual Forum, May 20-22, 2025.

How to Apply

Completing the Application Packet

Refer to the VFF Scholarship Application Guidelines for detailed information.

A complete application package must include the following:

• Completed Scholarship Application Form
• Resume
• Narrative
• Official University/School Transcript
• Professor Letter of Recommendation