Scholarships

Commemorating a Milestone with an Opportunity

The GALA Scholarship Fund is named in honor of Betty Skelton, Tampa’s own aviation trailblazer and the “First Lady of Firsts.” Betty began her career at Peter O. Knight Airport, went on to become an international aerobatics champion, a record-breaking pilot and racecar driver, and a fearless pioneer for women in aviation. 

Her legacy lives on through the Girls Achieving Leadership in Aviation (GALA) scholarships, which empower young women in Tampa Bay to pursue their dreams in aviation and carry the torch forward for the next generation of leaders in the sky.

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Eligibility

To be considered for the GALA Scholarship, you must:

  • Be between the ages of 16 and 20 at the time of application.
  • Have a keen interest in or currently pursuing a career in aviation.
  • Currently live or have a permanent address in the Tampa Bay Area *

We welcome applications from those interested in the following fields:

  • General Aviation Pilot Training**
  • Professional (Commercial) Pilot Training**
  • Aerospace Administration
  • Air Traffic Controller
  • Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Aerospace Educator

Other career fields will be considered, so long as they are principally aviation related. Additionally, student pilots who are currently in flight training for any certificate are strongly encouraged to apply.

* For the purposes of this scholarship offering, the Tampa Bay Area includes: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, Polk, Citrus, Highlands, Hardee, and Sarasota Counties

**IMPORTANT:
Please see the current TBAA FTS Policies and Procedures document for full details on flight training scholarship eligibility.

Scholarship Awards

Scholarships of up to $10,000 each will be awarded. The number of scholarships and the amount awarded will depend on available funding and the number of qualified applicants.

The Tampa Bay Aviation Association (TBAA) is proud to announce that the 2025/26 Fall & Winter GALA Scholarship Window officially opened on October 1, 2025 and close at 11:59 PM EST on January 15, 2026. This scholarship opportunity is designed to support and inspire the next generation of aviators, honoring the legacy of women who have shaped aviation history while empowering those who will carry it forward.

Applicants selected as winners will be notified by March 1, 2026, and awards will be presented at the annual GALA fundraiser on Friday, March 13, 2026—a signature event celebrating aviation excellence and community impact. Don’t miss your chance to apply for this life-changing opportunity and join a tradition that uplifts and fuels the dreams of tomorrow’s aviation leaders.

We are thrilled to support the next generation of female aviation leaders and look forward to receiving your application. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at galascholarship@tampaairport.com.

Full details are in the application, which can be downloaded here.

Download Application TBAA Flight Training
Policies and procedures DONATE