Sheltair Has Launched Aviation Scholarship Program

The company has opened applications for four $8,000 aviation scholarships honoring its founder, Jerry Holland.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Scholarships

Sheltair Has Launched Aviation Scholarship Program

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Would you apply for a scholarship to advance your education or career in aviation?

Sheltair has introduced the Jerry Holland Legacy Scholarship, which offers four individual $8,000 awards to qualifying aviation students. The program aims to support the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals by honoring the legacy of the company founder.

Why it matters

This initiative provides significant financial support to aspiring aviators while celebrating the history of Sheltair, an aviation property manager founded in 1963. It serves as a commitment to the growth and development of the aerospace industry.

Sheltair manages 4.6 million square feet of aviation property and is currently accepting applications for the Jerry Holland Legacy Scholarship. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and at least 18 years old to qualify.

The players

Sheltair

Sheltair is an aviation property management company founded in 1963 that oversees millions of square feet of airport infrastructure.

Jerry Holland

Jerry Holland was the founder of Sheltair and is the namesake for the company's new legacy scholarship program.

Aerospace Center for Excellence

The Aerospace Center for Excellence is a Lakeland-based organization that facilitates aerospace education and hosts the scholarship application portal.

The details

Interested students must submit their applications through the Aerospace Center for Excellence website located at 4075 James C. Ray Dr. in Lakeland. A dedicated scholarship committee will review all submissions following the application deadline.

The application window officially opened on September 24, 2026.
The final deadline to submit applications is December 31, 2026.
Recipients are expected to be announced in February 2027.

Culture Shift

This program reflects a broader trend of corporate entities investing directly in specialized labor pipelines to address long-term industry staffing needs. By partnering with established institutions, private firms are increasingly formalizing pathways for the next generation of the workforce.

Eligible aviation students in Lakeland can now begin the application process to offset the high costs of flight training or aviation education. Meeting the age and residency requirements is the primary step for residents looking to secure this financial support.

The takeaway

Students looking to advance their careers should prioritize meeting the end-of-year deadline to ensure their materials are reviewed by the committee. Early preparation allows applicants to focus on the quality of their submission rather than rushing before the December cutoff.