Joseph A. Messina II Aviation Explorers Scholarship for Aviation Students

The Joseph A. Messina II Aviation Explorers Scholarship for Aviation Students was established in honor of longtime aviator and Explorer’s Post Founder Joseph A. Messina II by former Air Explorers and other friends of Mr. Messina. In 1970, while he was a Captain for United Airlines, he founded the Air Explorers to help young people interested in aviation. An airplane, a 1946 Aeronca 7-AC Champion, was purchased by the original 18 members. Mr. Messina asked fellow United Airlines pilots and other aviation professionals with flight instructor ratings to volunteer to teach the members to fly. Today, many former members continue to fly as private and professional pilots, as well as work in other sectors. The intent of this endowment fund is to award a scholarship to any student in need of financial aid seeking a career in aviation (not restricted to any one phase of aviation, or any aviation major), but with first priority to those wishing to become pilots.

• Scholarship for an aviation student with a minimum overall GPA of 2.75.