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AAAE Foundation: 1928 Campaign

Our Legacy. Their Future.

For more than 35 years, the AAAE Foundation has helped students pursue higher education through scholarships supporting Accredited Airport Executives, their families, endorsed students, and future airport and aviation professionals.

Today, Foundation scholarship recipients can be found throughout the aviation industry—working at airports, airlines, consulting firms, and universities across the country.

Our Investment in Students:

  • 3,780+ scholarships awarded

  • $7.8 million invested in education

  • 124 scholarships awarded for 2026–27

  • $515,500 awarded this year alone

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Take the Legacy Challenge

Be one of the first 100 NEW recurring donors in 100 days.
Make Your Commitment

Sustaining the Legacy

For decades, AAAE and the AAAE Foundation have invested in educational opportunities for A.A.E. families and future aviation professionals. As we look toward our second century, sustaining and expanding that impact will require broader support from the members and industry leaders who benefit from a strong airport workforce.

As AAAE approaches its centennial in 2028, the "1928 Campaign: Our Legacy. Their Future." honors nearly a century of leadership by investing in the people who will shape our industry's future.

Named for the year AAAE was founded, the campaign reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation while ensuring Foundation scholarships remain available for years to come.

Why Recurring Giving Matters

Scholarships are awarded every year. Recurring giving helps ensure the Foundation can continue making those commitments year after year.

Whether you choose to begin with $19.28 per month, make a leadership commitment of $192.80 per month, contribute $1,928 annually, or give at another level, your support provides reliable funding that helps sustain scholarships and strengthen the future workforce of our industry.

Take the Legacy Challenge

Our first campaign milestone is simple: 100 New Recurring Donors in 100 Days.

"I'm grateful to the members who have already committed to recurring support of the Foundation. Their leadership is helping launch this effort, and I hope you'll join them as we work toward our goal of 100 new recurring donors in 100 days."

- Marshall B. Stevens, A.A.E.

Marshall Stevens Circle Headshot

Chair

Marshall Stevens, A.A.E.

Vice President, Operations & Chief Operating Officer
Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
Memphis, TN

Give at the 1928 Level

Foundation stock imagery
TOUCH
Start Your Commitment $19.28 Monthly
Start Your Commitment$19.28 Monthly

Begin your recurring impact

Foundation stock imagery (1)
TOUCH
Lead at the 1928 Level 🌟$192.80 Monthly
Lead at the 1928 Level🌟$192.80 Monthly

Set the standard and make the greatest monthly impact

Foundation stock imagery (2)
TOUCH
Make an Annual Commitment $1,928 Annually
Make an Annual Commitment$1,928 Annually

A lasting investment in the future of aviation

The Impact of Your Support

Behind every scholarship is a student pursuing their goals, overcoming financial barriers, and preparing for what comes next.

Hear directly from students whose educational journeys have been made possible through the generosity of AAAE members, industry partners, and Foundation supporters.

"Education can open many doors, but success relies on support from organizations like AAAE. This scholarship not only relieves financial stress but also encourages me to keep working hard. Your generosity allows me to continue pursuing my passion for aviation and reinforces my commitment to giving back to the industry. Thank you for this meaningful opportunity."
Alex Elling
Alex EllingFinance, Georgia Southern UniversityA.A.E. Scholarship
"I am incredibly grateful for your support as I continue my education and begin this next chapter. This scholarship means so much to me and allows me to focus more fully on my goals and future. It truly motivates me to keep working hard and become the best version of myself. I appreciate your investment in students like me and hope to give back in the same way one day. Thank you again for your generosity and for believing in me."
Isabella Taylor2-1
Isabella TaylorFilm Arts, The University of Texas at AustinEndorsed by an A.A.E. Scholarship
"I am so appreciative of this award. It means so much more to me than just financial support. This scholarship gives me the freedom to fully commit myself to my studies and pursue opportunities that help me grow, both professionally and personally. It also provides financial security as I prepare for life after college. Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity. I am grateful to be part of the uplifting aviation community."
Jetta Briggs
Jetta BriggsAviation Management, Rocky Mountain CollegeAviation Management Scholarship
"I am honored to be selected as the recipient of the Faye Malarkey Black Women in Aviation Scholarship. These scholarship funds are truly a blessing and will help lift a significant financial burden as I begin my instrument flight training. This award represents your hope and faith in me as a future aviator. Your gift is a seed with the potential to grow into a plentiful harvest. I promise to nurture that seed and make the most of the opportunity it provides. Thank you!"
Julianne_Headshots_Aviation
Julianne JonesAviation Management, Utah State UniversityFaye Malarkey Black Women in Aviation Scholarship
"Thank you so much for selecting me as a recipient of this scholarship. This award is a vital source of support that will help me continue my educational journey and work toward my goal of giving back to my community. I have chosen an unconventional path to medical school, majoring in anthropology while participating in a pre-med program. Because of this, my educational journey will take additional time, and this scholarship will help me continue learning and make the most of my college experience. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity."
Evan Romo
Evan RomoMedicine, Wichita State UniversityA.A.E. Scholarship

Contact Us

If you have questions regarding the AAAE Foundation, please contact Gwen Basaria, Vice President, Member Experience and the AAAE Foundation at gwen.basaria@aaae.org or 703.797.2540.