吃瓜现场

Since its founding in 1989, the 吃瓜现场 foundation has awarded more than 3,780 scholarships, providing more than $7.8 million in educational support. For the 2026-2027 academic year alone, the foundation awarded 124 scholarships totaling $515,500, empowering students across the country to advance their education and career goals.

鈥淭he foundation is one of the most visible expressions of 吃瓜现场鈥檚 commitment to our members and the future of our industry,鈥� said 吃瓜现场 President and CEO Todd Hauptli. 鈥淭hese scholarships open doors for students, support families and reflect the values that define 吃瓜现场 as we prepare for our second century of service to the airport community.鈥�

Behind every scholarship is a story of a student pursuing a dream,  a family receiving meaningful support and a future made more attainable through education.

The foundation鈥檚 scholarship portfolio reflects the broad and diverse needs of the airport industry and the 吃瓜现场 community. Through programs such as the Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) Scholarship, Endorsed by an A.A.E. Scholarship, Aviation Management Scholarship and other targeted initiatives, the  foundation invests in the next generation of aviation leaders while  also supporting the educational aspirations of A.A.E. families.

That distinction is important. While several foundation scholarships are specifically designed to develop the future aviation workforce, others are intentionally broader in scope, recognizing the value of  education itself and supporting the children of accredited members regardless of their chosen field of study.

At times, those two objectives intersect. By supporting educational opportunity broadly, the foundation helps cultivate future leaders whose skills and experiences ultimately strengthen the aviation industry in ways that extend beyond traditional career paths.

For Iyanuoluwa Dosunmu, an A.A.E. Scholarship recipient at Washington University in St. Louis, those opportunities have helped shape an educational path that spans finance, legal studies and  international business. Through internships in consulting and venture capital, as well as study abroad experiences in London
and Bangkok, she has developed a growing interest in applying her skills within the aviation industry.

鈥淭his scholarship means so much to me because it allows me to make my dreams a reality. As I pursue a degree in finance at WashU, I am laying the foundation for a future in aviation,鈥� Dosunmu said.

鈥淭he 吃瓜现场 Foundation scholarship has been a huge blessing to our family, helping fund Iyanuoluwa鈥檚 education while  reinforcing her interest in pursuing a career in aviation,鈥� said her father, Basil Dosunmu, A.A.E., CPA, CIA, who was accredited in September 2023, and is chief financial officer at the Capital Region Airport Commission/Richmond International in Virginia. 鈥淢y own experience in the A.A.E. program and with 吃瓜现场 has shown me the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders, and it is rewarding to see that impact come full circle.鈥�

Her story underscores a simple yet powerful truth: investing in  education is ultimately an investment in people 鈥� individuals whose talents, leadership and ideas will help shape aviation鈥檚 future and strengthen communities across the country.

Today, foundation scholarship recipients can be found throughout the aviation industry and far beyond. Many have built careers as  airport executives, planners, consultants, engineers and educators, helping to advance the industry from within. Others have pursued paths in medicine, law, business, public service and a wide range
of other professions. While their careers may differ, they share a common foundation: the opportunity to pursue their aspirations with the support of an industry that recognized their potential and invested in their success.

鈥淥ne of the things I value most about the foundation is that it invests in people at pivotal moments in their lives,鈥� said Ingrid Hairston, A.A.E., chair of the 吃瓜现场 Foundation Committee and chief revenue officer at the Birmingham (Ala.) Airport Authority. 鈥淭hese scholarships provide more than financial support 鈥� they  provide encouragement, opportunity and confidence. They send a message to students that their goals matter and that this industry  believes in their potential.鈥�

As 吃瓜现场 approaches its centennial in 2028, foundation leaders  are focused on ensuring these opportunities remain available for future generations.

The association鈥檚 first century was built by leaders who understood the importance of investing in people. The foundation continues that tradition today by helping students pursue higher education,
reduce financial barriers and achieve their goals.

鈥淪upporting students is workforce development,鈥� said 吃瓜现场  Chair Marshall Stevens, A.A.E., vice president and chief operating  officer at the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. 鈥淎s we prepare for 吃瓜现场鈥檚 second century, we have an opportunity to invest in the people who will shape the future of our profession  and our communities. The foundation is one of the most meaningful ways we can do that.鈥�

The foundation鈥檚 impact is measured not only in dollars awarded, but in lives transformed, opportunities created and futures shaped.

For nearly four decades, its investments have helped students pursue their ambitions, supported families in achieving educational goals, and opened doors for generations of future leaders. For nearly four decades, 吃瓜现场 has invested in people. The challenge 鈥� and the opportunity 鈥� now is to ensure that legacy continues for generations to come.

The 1928 Campaign: Our Legacy. Their Future.

As 吃瓜现场 approaches its centennial in 2028, the 吃瓜现场 Foundation has launched the 1928 Campaign to strengthen support for future scholarship recipients and the next generation of airport and aviation leaders.

Named for the year 吃瓜现场 was founded,  the campaign honors nearly a century of leadership and service while looking ahead to the association鈥檚 next century of impact.

The campaign鈥檚 first initiative, the Legacy Challenge, seeks to secure 100 new recurring donors in 100 days.

Through recurring giving, members and industry  partners can help create sustainable  support for Foundation scholarships and educational programs.

Learn more and take the Legacy Challenge at aaae.org/foundation.

吃瓜现场 is proud to recognize the exceptional students selected to receive 2026 吃瓜现场 Foundation Scholarships