UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Business Aviation Association

Description
**What the scholarship is**
The UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship, administered by NBAA Charities, supports undergraduate students in aviation-related programs at UAA- and NBAA-member institutions. Each year the program funds up to five recipients with awards of at least $1,000 each. Awards are distributed for one academic year and are sent as checks payable to the recipient’s school. Recipients must apply award funds within the specified timeframe or risk forfeiture.

Key takeaways
- Awards target undergraduate students pursuing aviation-related curricula at UAA/NBAA member schools.
- Up to five recipients are selected annually.
- Awards are for one academic year and paid to the school.
- Funds must be used within the scholarship’s required period.

Eligibility
**Who can apply**
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enrolled full-time in an undergraduate aviation-related program at a UAA-member institution. Applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Incoming freshmen may apply but must provide proof of enrollment or an acceptance letter before funds are distributed. The application is incomplete without the applicant institution’s UAA membership number — contact your department head or advisor to obtain it.

Key takeaways
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident required.
- Full-time undergraduate enrollment in an aviation program at a UAA-member school.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- UAA membership number is mandatory; incoming freshmen need proof/acceptance.

Award value and distribution
**Amount and disbursement**
NBAA Charities awards a minimum of $1,000 to each selected recipient; up to five scholarships are awarded annually. Disbursements are made by check and issued directly to the recipient’s school rather than to the student. Scholarships cover one academic year of study. No preference is given based on sex, race, religion, or national origin.

Key takeaways
- Minimum award: $1,000 per recipient.
- Up to five recipients each year.
- Checks are made payable to the recipient’s institution.
- Awards apply to a single academic year.

Application requirements
**Documents and formatting**
A complete application package must include: a fully completed and signed application form, a 250-word typed essay (with applicant’s full name at the top), an official transcript issued by the school, a current resume (including job responsibilities, assignments, volunteer efforts, and home address), one letter of recommendation from aviation department faculty, and — for incoming freshmen — proof or acceptance of enrollment. The package must include the institution’s UAA membership number; applications missing that number are considered incomplete. All materials must be received by NBAA Charities by the posted June deadline to be considered.

Key takeaways
- Complete packet: signed form, 250-word essay, official transcript, resume, faculty recommendation, and acceptance/proof for freshmen.
- Essay must be typed, ~250 words, with full name at the top.
- Resume must list responsibilities, assignments, volunteer work, and home address.
- Include your institution’s UAA membership number; otherwise application is incomplete.

Application timeline and notification
**Deadlines and award announcement**
Applications must be received by NBAA Charities by the annual June deadline (specific date published by NBAA Charities). Scholarship recipients are notified in late summer. Missing the June submission deadline disqualifies the application for that award cycle. For scheduling or questions about exact dates, applicants should consult NBAA Charities’ current scholarship calendar or their institution’s aviation department.

Key takeaways
- Submission deadline: each year by the June deadline (check current year date).
- Recipients are announced in late summer.
- Late or incomplete submissions are not considered.
- Confirm dates with NBAA Charities or your department.

Award use and restrictions
**Terms of use and forfeiture**
Scholarships are intended for use during the awarded academic year; recipients must ensure the institution applies the funds accordingly. Recipients who do not use the award within the required timeframe risk forfeiture. Current guidance states scholarship funds must be used by Dec. 31, 2027 (applicants should verify if different for their award year). Awards are made without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or national origin.

Key takeaways
- Funds must be applied during the awarded academic year.
- Failure to use funds within the required timeframe may lead to forfeiture.
- Current cutoff: funds must be used by Dec. 31, 2027 (verify for your award year).
- Awards are distributed without discriminatory consideration.

History of the award
**Namesake and legacy**
The scholarship honors the late Janice K. Barden, a long‑time aviation community leader who served as chair of the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition Local Committee eight times — more than anyone in NBAA history. The award recognizes her decades of service and commitment to advancing aviation education and leadership. It continues her legacy by supporting students entering the business aviation field.

Key takeaways
- Named for Janice K. Barden, a notable aviation community leader.
- Barden chaired the NBAA convention local committee eight times.
- Scholarship perpetuates her commitment to aviation education and leadership.

For more information or to confirm current deadlines and procedures, contact NBAA Charities or your aviation department advisor.