Naval Helicopter Association Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Naval Helicopter Association

The NHA is proud to provide scholarship opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, with awards reaching up to $5,000 as part of our 2026 goal.

Application Process

The application window for these scholarships will commence on September 1, 2025, and will close for new applications on January 24, 2026. All applications, along with the necessary documents, must be submitted by January 31, 2026. We encourage you not to delay in submitting your application.

Eligibility: To be considered for a 2026 NHA Scholarship, you must meet one of the following criteria: (1) you, your spouse, your parent, or your grandparent has been a member of NHA (Individual personal member such as Officer, Enlisted or Civilian categories of active membership; NHA Corporate, Honorary, Institutions, Exhibitor Memberships do not qualify) in good standing for the past three years since January 31, 2022, or (2) you became a new NHA Lifetime Member on or after February 15, 2020, and (3) you are currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree or a trade certificate. There are certain exemptions:

• Active duty Enlisted (E-6 and below) with a current helicopter affiliation (stationed in a helicopter or MV-22 squadron or other helicopter aviation unit) and their family members are exempt from the NHA membership requirement. A recommendation or endorsement from their command is required.
• First tour active-duty O-1/O-2 and E-1-E-4, who are 2-Year "nugget" members of NHA, and their families are exempt from the three-year membership requirement.
• Applicants who have received an appointment to a Service Academy or ROTC Scholarship members receiving paid fees and tuition (USN, USMC, USCG, USA, USAF, USMM) are not eligible for an NHA scholarship.

Application Tips: Before you start your application, here are some tips to ensure a smooth process:

• Avoid using a Navy/Marine Corps Internet connection. Use a regular internet connection instead.
• Use a laptop or desktop computer. Smartphones are not recommended for this application.
• Ensure your browser and computer do not have an aggressive "Pop Up Blocker" enabled.

Step 1: Start your application by creating a username and password. The NHASF Staff will review your application based on the prescreen information you provide. Only applicants who do not meet the required pre-screen criteria will be contacted. Please ensure to submit your full application.

Before you start your application, make sure you have the following information at hand:

1. First and Last Name of NHA Member
2. NHA Member Number
3. Date of NHA Membership
4. NHA Lifetime Member Number (if applicable)
5. If the Sponsor/Applicant is an active-duty E-6 and below with a current or past helicopter affiliation and not an NHA Member
6. If yes, a Recommendation Letter from the Sponsor/Applicant's Commanding Officer confirming the Sponsor/Applicant's current service in a USN, USMC, or USCG helicopter or MV-22 squadron or other helicopter aviation unit.
7. Record your proposed username and password before you start creating your account.
8. Note down your Applicant ID # for future use.

Step 2: Complete your full application. You can return to submit your transcripts and letters of recommendation within the application or have them submitted using the special uploading options (Menu) Above) at any time while the application season is open till the January 31st deadline. Using those uploading options on the Menu Bar will require your applicant ID #.

1. Arrange for your school to send an official transcript to the NHA Scholarship Fund.
2. Arrange for 1-2 letters of recommendation. Your recommender will need your scholarship application User ID to upload his or her letter to the website. Letters should be written by someone who can comment on your character, work ethic, personal integrity, and potential for academic or professional achievement. (For active-duty applicants, please have your Commanding Officer send one letter of recommendation.) Please have a minimum of one and no more than two letters uploaded on our website through our Recommendation Upload page: Click Here.

For more information about NHA or to become a member, please click here to apply online or contact NHA Headquarters at (619) 435-7139.

Start your application by creating a username and password, then log in to your new application with your username and password to begin.