2023 ATCA Scholarship Winners

A college degree is one of the greatest investments a young person can make in pursuit of their career, and for an established professional to advance in their career.  

Given the ever-increasing cost of a higher education, making this investment can be difficult for a student to achieve on their own. 

The ATCA Scholarships are awarded each year to help support the financial needs of those deserving students who have chosen to seek higher education in the science of air traffic control (ATC) and other aviation disciplines; and to also support children/grandchildren of ATC specialists in any advanced education. This year, ATCA gave nine students a total of $75,000 to help with their tuition, hopefully making their career pursuits that much easier. 

We are happy to introduce you to the ATCA Scholarship winners for 2023.

Gabriel A. Hartl Scholarship

Awarded to students enrolled half- to full-time in a two- to four-year ATC program at an institution approved and/or licensed by the FAA as directly supporting the FAA’s college and training initiative.

Samuel Dyrud, University of North Dakota
Rob Crawford, Hampton University
Savannah Yokel, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Lawrence C. Fortier Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to students enrolled half- to full-time in a program leading to a bachelor’s degree or higher in an aviation-related course of study.

Nobi Buntin, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Grace Kahon, University of Dubuque
Mahati Potharaju, Purdue University
Braxton Brady, Green River College and Rainier Flight Service

Buckingham Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to US citizen, children of ATC specialists enrolled in half- to full-time in a program leading to a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Kaitlynn Gradt, Dallas Baptist University
Joy Steinmetz, University of Cincinnati

Congratulations to all this year’s recipients. ATCA's Scholarship Fund relies on donations to fund our four aviation scholarships. The ATCA Scholarship program has been around since 1983 when it recognized one student with a small scholarship award. It has grown exponentially since then, supporting 8-12 students each year, with an average of $75,000 in scholarships awarded annually. As of 2022, ATCA has given away nearly $1.4 million dollars to deserving students. Please consider contributing today at, https://www.atca.org/get-involved/donate.