Deadline approaches for Henry O scholarship

Applications will be accepted through June 6, 2025, for the National Association of State Aviation Officials’ (NASAO) Henry O. Scholarship.

The program awards $2,500 to three college students continuing their education in the aviation or aerospace industry. The funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, and supplies. The scholarship may not be used for room and board or travel expenses.

The scholarship is a one-time award, however, recipients are encouraged to apply in future years.

Applicants must be an incoming junior or senior college student (or going into their second year of study for a two-year degree) and maintain a minimum major GPA of 3.0.

In order to be considered for the scholarship, applicants must submit the following by June 6, 2025:

• Scholarship application
• School transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
• A recent letter of recommendation. Either one from a former or current professor/instructor or someone other than a professor/instructor who has knowledge of the applicant’s leadership qualities.
• A 300-500 word personal statement with an emphasis on the aviation or aerospace industry and the applicant’s goals and dreams and how the applicant intends to use those skills learned in their future.

Who Was Henry O?

This scholarship is awarded in honor of Henry Ogrodzinski, who spent more than 17 years leading NASAO as its President and CEO. Henry O., as he was referred to by the industry, served as an advocate for aviation his entire professional life, starting at the General Motors’ Avionics Division and moving to senior policy positions at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and Gulfstream Aerospace. In 1996, he joined the staff of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) as President and CEO.

Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), the Oversight Committee of the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), the Board of Nominations of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF), and the Selection Committee for NAA’s Robert J. Collier Trophy.

Henry O. passed away in January 2014 after a long battle with cancer.

For more information: NASAO.org