Mesa, Arizona - UND Aerospace Foundation Flight Training Center, a top-rated Arizona Flight School, is thrilled to announce the continued success of its Ray Foundation Scholarship program. This initiative, funded by the Ray Foundation, provides U.S. Army veterans or their eligible dependents with the financial assistance they need to pursue flight training.
As the aviation industry continues to struggle with a pilot shortage projected to continue into the foreseeable future, UND Aerospace remains committed to nurturing the next generation of competent aviators. Towards that end, the Ray Foundation Scholarship has been instrumental in helping qualified, deserving individuals get the financing they need to become certified private pilots.
The Ray Foundation is a philanthropic organization committed to supporting the education and development of future aviation professionals. Established in 1963, the foundation partners with flight schools like UND Aerospace that teach leadership, accountability, self-confidence, and self-discipline as part of their flight training programs to produce well-rounded professionals.
The scholarship program has and continues to help individuals launch successful aviation careers at UND Aerospace. Since it was introduced at the Mesa flight school in 2021, a total of 41 scholarships have been awarded. Currently, 20 recipients are still actively pursuing their certifications, and 7 new students commenced training in February 2025. Two graduates from the program have worked their way up to become Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) under the UND Aerospace Foundation (UNDAF), while one other beneficiary of the scholarship is currently working in aviation in Texas.
Essentially, the scholarship helps remove financial barriers that often hinder aspiring aviators by covering approximately 70% of the tuition fee for obtaining a private pilot license through the accelerated flight training program at UND Aerospace Foundation Flight Training Center. Getting a private pilot certification is the first step to becoming a professional pilot, but it is also a prerequisite for anyone looking to utilize the GI Bill® benefits for flight training.
This means beneficiaries of the scholarship can further their studies at UND’s partner institution, the Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC), by leveraging GI Bill® benefits. At CGCC, they will obtain instrument and multi-engine ratings, earn a commercial pilot license, and ultimately get the certified flight instructor credential. This is all part of CGCC’s Associate's Degree in Airway Science Technology, a 2-year program that has been offered in collaboration with UND Aerospace for nearly three decades, with the Arizona flight school providing the flight training aspect of the program.
This strategic partnership between UND Aerospace and CGCC creates a clear educational pathway for Ray Foundation Scholarship recipients to pursue advanced flight training and become skilled professionals. The collaboration combines the best features of both learning institutions, creating a conducive and supportive environment for students to thrive.
The Ray Foundation Scholarship program aligns perfectly with UND Aerospace Foundation's core mission of providing affordable, world-class aviation education. Students joining the flight school, courtesy of the scholarship, will benefit from advanced learning facilities, a modern aircraft fleet, and a well-structured curriculum emphasizing proficiency, safety, and real-world aviation skills.
Those interested in applying for this prestigious scholarship can visit the UND Aerospace website to learn more about the requirements and begin the application process. Applications are open to individuals who meet the eligibility requirements and are motivated to complete their flight training. All applicants must demonstrate a passion for aviation and a drive to succeed.
UND Aerospace is a world-renowned center for collegiate flight training, nationally acclaimed for achievements in aerospace learning. With a proven track record of producing pilots who are highly sought after in the global job market, UND, The Phoenix Valley flight school, with the support of organizations like the Ray Foundation, is out to shape the future of the aviation industry.
To learn more about the Ray Foundation Scholarship program at UND Aerospace Foundation Flight Training Center, visit their website or call (480) 809-4499 to book a ground tour of their facilities at 5865 S. Sossaman Rd. Mesa, AZ.
Media Contact
Name
UND Aerospace Foundation Flight Training Center
Contact name
Rex Ginder
Contact phone
(480) 809-4499
Contact address
5865 South Sossaman Rd
City
Mesa
State
AZ
Zip
85212
Country
United States
Url
https://airlinepilot.training/
