DAEDALIAN FOUNDATION

INSPIRE AND EMPOWER AMERICA’S YOUTH TO BECOME MILITARY AVIATORS.

MISSION: Inspire and empower America’s youth to become military aviators.

We accomplish our mission by:

Awarding thousands of dollars in scholarships each year to young Americans with a desire to pursue military aviation as a career.
Inspiring young men and women to pursue military aviation through early flight training and education.
Producing a quarterly magazine with relevant stories of today’s military aviation missions along with historical recollections.
Recognizing outstanding JROTC cadets with an interest in a military career.

Our Story

In 1959, the Order of Daedalians created a philanthropic arm, the Daedalian Foundation, out of the need to support military aviation. Our foundation started producing the Daedalus Flyer to share stories of military aviation feats and safety advancements with the goal of inspiring future generations.

Shortly after forming, we started awarding scholarships to airmen who served the mission of flight safety. As support increased, the scholarship program grew to fund students who wanted to protect our nation. Since 1967, we have supported more than 3,500 students totaling over $4 million in academic scholarships.

In late 1990, our growing foundation saw a need to inspire high school students to consider a career as a military pilot. In collaboration with all JROTC services, the Daedalian Foundation created an award for high school juniors promoting good citizenship and a desire for a military path.

In 2006, we added the Daedalian Flying Training Program, which takes students through ground school and flight training to the point of their solo flight at no cost to their families. Approximately 400 students have been trained to fly through FAA-approved programs and receive mentoring by Daedalians.