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GREENVILLE — Greenville Airport and a local youth have received a unique half-scholarship opportunity for flight training, thanks to EAA Chapter 1382 of Greenville and the Ray Aviation Scholarship administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Clayton Jansen is from Albers and attends Central Community High School. An incoming senior, he plays football for the Central Cougars and runs track.
“We were really lucky to get this scholarship. I was really surprised.” said Michael Cook, President of Chapter 1382. “They only give out a certain number of scholarships.”
The Ray Aviation Scholarship provides up to $12,000 scholarships to young people who are seeking to learn to fly. The Ray Foundation has provided $2.25 million in 2025 to fund the scholarship program, which seeks to improve the flight training success rate from the current industry standards of 20 percent to 80 percent for program participants. Local EAA chapters are responsible for identifying youth for the Ray Aviation Scholarship and mentoring them through flight training.
“Our former president, now vice president, Craig Baumberger, did a good job applying for this scholarship,” Cook said. “When you apply you don’t know which one you will get.”
The Ray Foundation is furthering the legacy of James C. Ray, an EAA lifetime member who was dedicated to aviation and youth education.
Since its introduction in 2019, the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program has allowed over 600 youths to complete their flight training and receive their pilot licenses. The program has been consistently meeting and exceeding its expected 80 percent success rate each year.
Jansen will be training at Murray Air, based at Greenville Airport (KGRE). The scholarship is designed to support a flight student through both written and practical segments of flight training that are part of a successful FAA pilot certification.
EAA chapters play a critical role in the success of the Ray Aviation Scholarship. Chapters interested in participating are prequalified by EAA through an application process. If selected, they mentor and support the scholarship recipient throughout their flight training journey. Once selected as a Ray Aviation Scholarship participant, candidates also commit to volunteer service with the local EAA chapter.
EAA Chapter 1382 is one of 900 local chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the world’s largest organization for recreational flying. It meets at the Greenville Airport on the second Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. More information on EAA Chapter 1382 is available at 979-6257.
About EAA
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 300,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.
