Scholarships support students pursuing careers in avionics and aircraft maintenance and individuals from AEA member companies
LEE'S SUMMIT, MISSOURI, Aug. 14, 2026 – The Aircraft Electronics Association's Educational Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2026-27 scholarships. The annual program supports students pursuing careers in avionics and aircraft maintenance, as well as individuals affiliated with AEA member companies.
The 2026-27 scholarship recipients are:
- Aircraft Lighting International Scholarship: Dominic Gallegos, Aurora, Colorado
- Dutch and Ginger Arver Memorial Scholarship: Reilly Zeskand, Meriden, Connecticut
- Garmin Scholarship: Daniel Gonzalez, Dumont, New Jersey
- Gene Baker Memorial Scholarship: Natalie Fernandes, Lincoln, Nebraska
- Gogo Scholarship: Diarra Trim, Silver Spring, Maryland
- James Hammond Joubert Memorial Scholarship: Ekansh Singh, Roswell, Georgia
- Jim Cook Honorary Scholarship: Keith Falkner, Standish, Maine
- Johnny Davis Memorial Scholarship: Coda Riggs, Scipio, Utah
- Kevin Miesbach Memorial Scholarship: Arle Madrigal, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Lee Tarbox Memorial Scholarship sponsored by Pacific Southwest Instruments: Simon Maioho, Sand Lake, Michigan
- Marshall Temple Memorial Scholarship: Logan Compton, Ormond Beach, Florida
- Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics Scholarship: Trenton Ellison, Wyoming, Michigan
- Monte Mitchell Scholarship: Karla Nunez of Airport Radio, Avoca, Pennsylvania; and Aaron Potyk of McCreery Aviation, McAllen, Texas
- Pat Napolitano Memorial Scholarship: Geraldine Villarreal, Coconut Creek, Florida
- Sporty's Foundation Private Pilot Training Scholarship: Karla Nunez, Pittston, Pennsylvania
- Susan T. Friedle Scholarship: Natalie Smeltzer, Holland, Michigan
- Universal Avionics Scholarship: Jacob Kitten, Lincoln, Nebraska
The AEA Educational Foundation was established in 1990 to enhance, promote and secure the future of aviation maintenance by supporting education and professional development. Through its scholarship program, the Foundation helps provide educational opportunities for students entering the aviation industry and individuals seeking to advance their careers.
Since its inception, the AEA Educational Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships.
Applications for the 2027-28 academic year will be available beginning Oct. 1, 2026. Individuals interested in applying for one or more AEA Educational Foundation scholarships can download an application at aea.net/scholarship.
– 30 –
Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in more than 40 countries, including approved maintenance organizations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of aircraft electronics systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of aircraft electronics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.