The grant comes via the Appalachian Regional Commission and will be used to address shortages in the aviation industry in the Appalachian Region by creating a regional aviation education network.
Northeast State Community College has been awarded $120,806 via the Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) grant initiative of the Appalachian Regional Commission. In addition to the funding from the ARC, Northeast State Community College will be matching the funds with $53,083 for its one-year planning project to develop a regional aviation education network and a strategy to bolster the aviation technology industry in the Appalachian Region.
According to an article on Northeast State Community College’s website, Richard Blevins, who serves as the director of the Aviation Technology Department, was quoted as saying of the grant and the work it will fund, “The grant helps our efforts to interest students in aviation in our area. We want to provide opportunities for students in rural Appalachian communities to obtain an aviation technology associate’s degree and an FAA Air Frame and Power Plant Certification. This is a major step forward to build a workforce pipeline in aviation technology for Appalachia.”
As part of the grant-funded project, Northeast State Community College has been working in collaboration with partners throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Virginia, including with high schools and businesses throughout the Appalachian Region, to increase student interest in pursuing careers in aviation technology, as well as expanding access to quality aviation technology training to ensure the region’s job seeking individuals are qualified to take on the roles.
Blevins went on to say, “The speed of growth in the aviation industry as well as the number of retirees is driving the need for skilled aviation technology professionals. We have a great opportunity to make this work.”
The school is working on long term plans that align with these goals, as well, including expanding laboratory work for high schoolers in preparation for the type of hands-on, technical training they would need to work in aviation maintenance technology.
Northeast State Community College’s Aviation Technology program is based in the Northeast State Aviation Center at Tri-Cities Airport and awards students with an associate degree. Students learn integral skills including aircraft mechanical systems, electrical systems, hydraulics, and aircraft repair. The program prepares students for the FAA Aviation Maintenance Technical Certification exam, as well.
For more information about Northeast State Community College, visit the school’s website.