UDOT

The Aviation Education Grant is closed for 2025!

The Aviation Education Grant is an annual funding opportunity designed to support the development and expansion of educational pathways in the field of aviation. Open to all educational institutions, schools, and training facilities across the State, the grant supports both new and existing programs that prepare students for careers in aeronautics.

Awardees will receive one-time funding for eligible projects, with a total of $150,000 available to allocate each year. The primary goal of the grant is to strengthen Utah’s skilled aviation workforce by aligning educational initiatives with industry needs and encouraging students to pursue careers in aviation.

Fast Facts:

• One-time purchases only (i.e. simulators, flights, course materials)
• $150,000 total available to allocate
• Liability is not covered within the grant
• Applicants can submit every year
• 2-3 weeks for scoring
• $$$ allocated in October
• 6-month and 1-year spending reports required from Grant Recipients.

Completed applications and any supporting documentation should be sent to Nicole Zinger at nzinger@utah.gov. To view the Q&A PowerPoint click here: https://site.utah.gov/connect/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2025/06/Fly-Utah-Aviation-Education-Grant-Virtual-QA-2025-1-1.pdf

Grant Application Requirements and Review Process

To be considered, all grant applications should include:

• A program outline that is responsive to the aviation workforce needs in the State of Utah.
• Includes a system of stackable credentials aimed at a degree or certificate attainment.
• The expected student enrollment, attainment, and job placement rates after 3 years of program operation.
• Evidence of action or support of the Utah State Board of Education or Utah System of Higher Education.
• Evidence of input and support from an industry partner of advisory group.
• A funding request, including justification for the request.

Review Process

1. Application Open
   • The grant is open to all educational institutions, schools, and training facilities in the State of Utah with new or existing programs that prepare students for a career in aeronautics.
2. Virtual Q&A Session
   • In the early stages of the grant process, a virtual Q & A session will be held to answer any questions and explain the application process.
3. Close Application
   • The application deadline for 2025 is June 27, 2025 at 11:59 MDT.
   • After the above date, applications will no longer be accepted and completed proposals will be compiled for scoring with our decision committee.
4. Decision Committee
   • Members of the Aeronautics airports team, pilots, and mechanic leadership will be invited to score the applications and determine the impact each program will have on preparing a qualified workforce.
5. Scoring and Decision
   • Using a standard scoring rubric, the committee will rate and comment on each proposal individually. Composite scores will determine which programs will be funded.
   • The Committee can also make adjustments to award amounts as needed.
6. Notify Awardees and Allocate Funds
   • After approximately 2 weeks of scoring, selected programs will be informed and contact will be made with their financial representatives to allocate funding.

Scoring Criteria

1. Partnerships
   • Shows connection between education/industry partners with clear responsibilities. Well-developed leadership and allocation of additional resources.
2. Program
   • Structure of program is refined and implementation is clear to ensure success of students. Has Work-Based-Learning component or is working to develop one.
3. Goals
   • Clear and detailed implementation outline including projected budget. Understanding of outcome measurements and potential barriers.
4. Assets
   • Plan to mobilize additional resources from the community or partnership members. Equipped with tools outside of Fly Utah funding to support the program.