Fund a Kid's
First Flight
NextGen Pilots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that opens aviation to kids who'd never otherwise get the chance. Your tax-deductible gift funds scholarships that cover flight training, ground school, and the path toward a pilot's license — for students starting as young as five, including those who learn differently. Every scholarship goes to a child, not an institution.
Where your donation goes
Every dollar funds the essential components that prepare our scholars to become confident, skilled pilots ready for the real world.
Flight Lessons
Certified flight instructors providing hands-on training in real aircraft, building flight hours and mastery.
Experienced Instructors
FAA-certified flight instructors with decades of combined experience mentoring the next generation of pilots.
Mentorship Programs
One-on-one professional pilot mentoring that connects scholars with career guidance and industry connections.
Aircraft Reservations
Ensuring our scholars have access to quality aircraft for training and flight hours toward certification.
Supplies & Materials
Headsets, logbooks, study materials, and everything students need to succeed in their training.
Simulator Training
Advanced flight simulator hours preparing students for real-world flying and emergency scenarios.
Monthly Low-Income Classes
Affordable monthly aviation classes for underserved students, removing financial barriers at the entry level.
The Complete Pathway
Your donation creates a comprehensive training ecosystem. Scholars receive professional instruction from certified pilots, real aircraft time to build flight hours, mentorship from experienced aviators, access to simulators for safe skill-building, and all the supplies and materials needed for success. This integrated approach ensures every scholar is fully prepared to progress from their first flight through certification and beyond, ready to enter the professional aviation world.
The Pilot Shortage
America needs 12,000 new pilots by 2032
The FAA projects a critical shortage. High training costs keep talented kids from disadvantaged backgrounds out of the cockpit, costing the industry future pilots and the economy skilled workers.
The Cost Barrier
- Private Pilot License: $100,000+
- Commercial Rating: $150,000+
- Total path to CFI: $250,000+
- Result: Only wealthy families can afford it
The Young-Start Advantage
- Kids 8-12 master core skills faster
- Early confidence compounds over time
- Less fear, more fearlessness
- By 16, career-ready as pilots
What your donation solves
By funding scholarships for kids ages 8-16, you're not just changing one child's life—you're helping fill the pilot shortage and ensuring aviation's future workforce reflects every community. You're also opening pathways to six-figure careers for kids who would otherwise never have the chance.
Meet Khloe & Violet
Khloe
Age 16 · Mesa, AZ
Chasing her wings at 16
Khloe is a 16-year-old with a dream that is bigger than most adults dare to carry. She walked into our program with a passion for flight and the kind of determination that makes instructors take notice. After learning about the NextGen Pilots scholarship, she applied and our board was moved by her story.
We are proud to award Khloe $3,000 toward her Private Pilot License, covering a significant portion of the flight training she needs to earn her wings. She represents exactly who this scholarship was created for: a young person who has the heart for aviation and just needs the opportunity to get off the ground.
"We created the NextGen Pilots scholarship because talent doesn't care about bank accounts. Khloe is exactly the kind of future pilot this program was built for."
Violet
Age 16 · Phoenix, AZ
Sky's no limit at 16
Violet is a 16-year-old with an unwavering determination to become a pilot. She walked into our program with a clear vision of her aviation future and the work ethic to match. Our scholarship board was inspired by her dedication and forward thinking approach to her career.
"Kids in Aviation has seriously changed my life. I knew I wanted to be a pilot way back in 8th grade, and they made my dream possible. Four instructors, three years, two certificates, and one first solo later, and I am ready to take my checkride and fly off to University of North Dakota! I want to especially thank my instructor Matthew, for everything he has inspired me to be throughout the last year and a half of flying with him, and for John and Shannon, who have supported me and helped me through every year of flying with Kids in Aviation. It was such an amazing experience and launching pad for my aviation dream, and I will never forget it." Violet
"Watching Violet's progress has been remarkable. She has the qualities of an exceptional pilot: sharp decision making, calm under pressure, and an unshakeable commitment to excellence."
Questions about giving
Donations fund flight lessons with certified instructors, mentorship programs, aircraft reservations, supplies and materials, simulator training, and monthly low-income classes that make aviation accessible to every kid regardless of their background.
Yes. NextGen Pilots is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You will receive a tax receipt via email after your donation.
Absolutely. Contact us at kidsinaviation@gmail.com and let us know which program matters most to you.
Yes. We work with companies that believe in youth education. Email kidsinaviation@gmail.com for corporate giving options, bulk donations, and sponsorships.
PayPal allows recurring donations. During checkout, you can set up a monthly contribution. Thank you for your sustained support.
Meet the Team Behind NextGen Pilots
NextGen Pilots 501(c)(3) was founded by passionate aviation educators committed to making flight training accessible to every kid. Meet Jonathan and Shannon, the visionaries leading this mission.
Read their full biosNonprofit Information
EIN: 33-3061872
NextGen Pilots, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Kids in Aviation Partner operates FAA-certified flight training programs at 7 Arizona locations as our training delivery partner.
You will receive a tax receipt via email after your donation. Questions? kidsinaviation@gmail.com
A 1957 Mooney M20 was donated to our program!
A very generous community member donated a 1957 Mooney M20 to Kids in Aviation. The aircraft was tax-written off, and students in our new Airplane Maintenance Class will rebuild it hands-on — learning real aircraft maintenance skills on a real aircraft.
Aircraft donations are tax-deductible. Interested in donating? Get in touch.
Meet the Team Behind NextGen Pilots
NextGen Pilots 501(c)(3) was founded by passionate aviation educators committed to making flight training accessible to every kid. Meet Jonathan and Shannon, the visionaries leading this mission.
Read their full biosA Special Thank You to Our Sponsors
