American Airlines Education Foundation Scholarship
Helping scholars reach higher education
The American Airlines Education Foundation is proud to support team members by awarding hundreds of scholarships each year to their children pursuing their education. First-generation college students are also eligible for an additional one-time $1,000 award.
The foundation selects scholarship recipients based on academic excellence, community service and leadership. Scholarships support full-time undergraduate study at any accredited college, university or vocation program worldwide.
In 2025, the Education Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in scholarships to more than 300 students.
Apply to the Education Foundation Scholarship
The deadline to submit your application is Friday, April 17, 2026 by 3 p.m. (CST).
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We’ll email scholarship recipients by the end of June.
Applicants must be:
- Enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in a college / university, community college or trade school for the 2026 – 2027 academic year.
- A dependent son or daughter of an active American Airlines Group team member who has been employed for at least one year as of January 8, 2026, and is employed at American at the time we announce the awards.
An independent selection committee evaluates the applications and selects recipients by:
Academic achievement
- Grade point average
- Class rank
- Academic awards and honors
Community service
- Demonstrated commitment
- Service on a regular basis
Activities
- Participation in school and non-school activities (athletics, clubs, yearbook, school newspaper, etc.), awards and honors
- Leadership roles on athletic teams (captain, co-captain, etc.) or in other activities (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, editor, etc.)
- Employment information including number of hours worked outside the home, position (shift leader, team leader, etc.) and duration of employment
There are optional additional selection criteria for U.S. applicants.
- Awards will be $2,500 each and are not renewable.
- Students may reapply each year as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
- Award funds may only be used for expenses at the following types of institutions: (1) U.S. schools including accredited, nonprofit 2- or 4-year colleges / universities, and trade schools. (2) Non-U.S. schools including post-secondary 2- or 4-year colleges / universities, and trade schools.
- The scholarships will be applied to tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment required for course load.
- Students may transfer from one institution to another and retain the award.