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Professional Development Grants

The AAAE Professional Development Grant Program empowers members to pursue opportunities for professional growth, expand their networks, and advance their careers, even when financial limitations make attending in-person events challenging. This initiative reflects AAAE’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation within the aviation industry.

Interested in applying?

Applications for 2026 grants will open in Fall 2025. Please check this page regularly for the latest updates.
ABOUT THE GRANTS

Program Details

Funded through the success of AAAE’s business operations, the grants are available to:

  • Executive and Affiliate Members – Individual members employed by an airport
  • Corporate Member Staff – Eligible to apply for select events

Our Professional Development Grant Program ensures that dedicated airport professionals can access the resources, connections, and insights needed to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the industry.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Applicants must be an Executive or Affiliate member of AAAE in good standing at both the time of application and the event.
  • Staff of AAAE Corporate may apply for grants to attend the Annual Conference, National Airports Conference (NAC), and Airport Planning, Design, & Construction Symposium.
  • Applicants must submit the following to be considered:
    • Resume
    • Recommendation letter from a supervisor with authority to approve travel
    • Headshot
    • Completed online application
  • Applicants may not have access to a leadership travel reimbursement through AAAE.
  • Applicants who have received an AAAE Professional Development Grant within the past three years are ineligible.
  • One grant for the Annual Conference and one for the NAC will be specifically designated for the AAAE Young Professional Committee members.
Expenses Covered by the Grant
  • Flights to and from the event
  • Hotel lodging during the event
  • Complimentary registration for the event
Recipient Out-of-Pocket Expenses
  • Transportation to and from the airport/hotel
  • Meals not included with the event
  • Hotel incidentals (i.e., room service, mini bar, tips, etc.)
  • Enrollment or program fees (e.g., Accreditation/Certification Academies and Review Courses)
Note: Per the IRS, these professional development grant payments in the form of expense reimbursement, complimentary conference registration, and/or direct travel arrangements are taxable to the recipient at face value. As such, AAAE will collect completed W-9 forms from each recipient upon acceptance into the program, prior to travel arrangements being made.

Eligible 2025 Events

Please contact Gwen Basaria at gwen.basaria@aaae.org or 703.797.2540 with questions.

AAAE reserves the right to change or discontinue this program without notice.