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NCAA Scholarship Foundation

HomeNCAA Scholarship Foundation

The Foundation & Scholarships

Partner with the North Carolina Airports Association in awarding scholarships to NC resident students attending two-year and four-year colleges and universities with Aviation programs.

Over the past few years the Airports Association presented scholarships to honor Mr. Bruce Matthews, former Assistant Director of the North Carolina Division of Aviation to recognize his distinguished aviation career and dedication to the students of North Carolina State University. Scholarships were awarded to students who had demonstrated interest and/or experience in transportation engineering, airport planning and design.

The Airport Association recently established the North Carolina Airports Association Educational Foundation, Inc., a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The purpose of the Educational Foundation is to provide scholarships to deserving NC resident students who pursue a post high school curriculum in aviation-airport management. We will accomplish this goal through public support from individuals, corporations and others.

The North Carolina Airports Association is pleased to announce the availability for scholarships for deserving students who either are or plan to enter an aviation-airport management field of study. Interested undergraduate and graduate college students should explore the links below to review the requirements and to complete their application. You will also need to submit an official transcript to: Emily Winberg, Association Business Manager, 592 Isle of Palms Road, Mooresville, NC 28117.  

Bruce Matthews Scholarship​

This NCAA Funded Scholarship is dedicated to Mr. Bruce Matthews. Matthews was a tireless supporter of aviation in North Carolina and the first permanent employee of the NCDOT Division of Aviation. Mr. Matthews is credited with leading the development of the state’s public airport system. His vision for assisting smaller airports with facility upgrades in order to accommodate larger aircraft has lifted North Carolina to new heights in aviation success.

More about the Bruce Matthews Scholarship...

NCAA Educational Foundation Scholarship

The North Carolina Airports Association has recently developed and incorporated The North Carolina Airports Association Educational Foundation, Inc. The Educational Foundation is a 501(c) (3) corporation. The Scholarship program has been expanded to include NC State as well as other Secondary and Technical Schools. The student must be enrolled in a post high school curriculum in aviation, airport management or related fields.

More about the NCAA Scholarship...

2024 Bruce Matthews Scholarship Recipient

Kazuo Kuchiishi
Kazuo Kuchiishi is originally from Brazil and moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, for his Ph.D studies in Civil Engineering at NC State University. He has researched asphalt materials performance including binders, mixtures, and pavements. In the future Kazuo hopes to provide innovative solutions to real-world problems faced by airports when it comes to pavement. His favorite aircraft is the Cessna 172 because it reminds him of when he was a child and would take flights with his family while visiting the mountains. When he is not busy with research, you might find him playing acoustic guitar, watching a movie, or spending time with his family- specifically running around the park after his daughter. Kazuo is also an amateur magician in the art of close-up card tricks. One of his favorite quotes comes from Sir Issac Newton, "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants." Kazuo explained that it reminds him to continue to be humble and acknowledge contributions from those who came before him.

2024 NCAA Scholarship Recipients
 

Carson Jewett
Carson Jewett
Carson Jewett is from Cary, North Carolina. He is a senior in the commercial and corporate aeronautics program at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He finished his multi-engine rating this past fall. Carson’s goal is to work for Southwest due to their corporate culture and the fact that one of his favorite planes is the 737. In middle school, Carson learned to fly the 737 max on X-plane flight simulator using a one to one re-creation with all operations of the plane. Carson’s hobbies include Fishing with his family, golf, and solving Rubik’s cube puzzles which he can actually do within sixty seconds! Carson’s favorite quote is from the television show Last Man Standing, which says "you should worry less about who you might offend, and care more about who you might inspire."
Angel – up to $500.00 Bronze – $501.00 to $1499.00 Silver – $1500.00 to $2499.00 Gold – $2500.00 to $4999.00 Platinum – $5000.00 to $7499.00 Presidential – $7500.00 to $10,000.00 Download the donation form here.
Yes, our corporate partners are very important for the continued success of the scholarship program. The corporate donation levels are: Angel – up to $500.00 Bronze – $501.00 to $1499.00 Silver – $1500.00 to $2499.00 Gold – $2500.00 to $4999.00 Platinum – $5000.00 to $7499.00 Presidential – $7500.00 to $10,000.00 Download the donation form here.
Scholarship Application
Apply for the NCAA Scholarship
Apply for the Bruce Matthews Scholarship

Typically, the application process opens in the Fall of the year with a deadline for submission of January 31.

 

Awards are generally announced by mid February with formal recognition taking place at the annual conference. One recipient may be selected for the Bruce Matthews Scholarship and up to two students may be chosen for a NCAA scholarship award.

The value of the NCAA scholarship is $1500. The value of the Bruce Matthews scholarship is $3000. Scholarships are non-renewable.

The two scholarships have slightly different requirements. The details are available through the following links:

Matthews Scholarship – Details and Eligibility

NCAA Aviation Scholarships – Details and Eligibility

NCAA Educational Foundation Brochure

Download the brochure for complete information about the Foundation.