Summer Aviation Program

Ages 18-21

Advanced flight training and professional development for college-age students pursuing aviation careers.

Program Overview
Application
Meet Our Cadets

GETTING STARTED

Application Requirements

The Tuskegee NEXT Summer Aviation Program is a selective opportunity for young adults with a passion for aviation and a commitment to excellence. Below are the requirements to apply for our program.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirement

  • Be between 18 and 21 years of age at the time of application

Academic Standing

  •  High School diploma or GED required; current college students preferred

 GPA

  •  Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale

  • High school and college transcript must reflect a minimum 3.0 GPA. If the student has not completed at least one year of college, only the high school transcript will be considered.

 Medical Requirements

  • Ability to obtain an FAA Third-Class Medical Certificate

Availability

  • Full-time availability during the summer(June-August)

Passion for Aviation

  • Demonstrated interest in aviation careers

 FAA Written Exam Guidance

Tuskegee NEXT recommends taking the FAA Written Exam only when you feel fully prepared and confident in your ability to achieve your strongest score. The FAA requires a minimum score of 70% to pass; however, Tuskegee NEXT recommends aiming for a score of 80% or higher.

We strongly encourage applicants to complete practice exams before taking the official FAA Written Exam. If you have not yet taken the official exam, there is no need to take it just to submit your application. Students who receive a conditional acceptance will participate in Tuskegee NEXT's Ground School, which is designed to prepare them to take the FAA Written Exam.

Please note that if you have already passed the FAA Written Exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will not be eligible to retake the exam during Tuskegee NEXT Ground School.

Regardless of whether you have already taken the FAA Written Exam, passing or failing, all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply to Tuskegee NEXT.

Required Documents

Instructions for an application form and letters of recommendation, with icons representing a clipboard and people.

LEARN MORE

Application Workshop

Join us for our monthly application workshops! Get insights from our Program Director and alumni on how to successfully navigate the application process. Discover more about the Summer Aviation Program and learn how to take the next step toward your aviation goals!

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, the Summer Aviation Program is fully funded for selected participants. The program covers flight training, housing, and educational materials. Participants are responsible for personal expenses and transportation to and from the program location.

  • No prior aviation experience is required. We welcome applicants with a passion for aviation and learning, regardless of previous experience. The program is designed to teach all necessary skills from the ground up.

  • The program takes place at the Illinois Aviation Academy in West Chicago, Illinois. Housing is provided near the airport for the duration of the program.

  • The program typically accepts 8-14 cadets each year, depending on funding and resources available. The selection process is competitive, and we encourage all eligible students to apply.

  • Graduates of the program become part of our Alumni Network and receive continued support through mentorship, networking opportunities, and potential scholarship recommendations for continued aviation education.

  • All applicants must be 18 by December 31st, the same date applications are due.

  • Tuskegee NEXT recommends taking the FAA Written Exam only when you are confident you are prepared to pass. While the FAA requires a minimum score of 70% to pass, Tuskegee NEXT’s standard is 80% or higher.

    Please note that if you have already passed the FAA Written Exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will not be eligible to retake the exam during Tuskegee NEXT Ground School.

    We strongly recommend completing practice exams before taking the official FAA Written Exam. In most cases, applicants are encouraged to wait until after completing ground school before taking the official exam.

    Regardless of whether you have taken the FAA Written Exam, Tuskegee NEXT encourages all eligible applicants to apply.

Questions? Where Here to Help!

Have questions about the Summer Aviation Program, the application process, or what to expect as a cadet?

Email Maeve Brady, Program Director, at mbrady@tuskegeenext.org

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