The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Northeast State a grant as part of the Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) grant.
In the current round, ARC awarded 12 ARISE grants totaling $33.5 million, including a $120,806 planning grant to Northeast State to work with education and industry stakeholders to expand access to aviation maintenance technician education throughout the region.
“The grant helps our efforts to interest students in aviation in our area,” said Richard Blevins, director of the Aviation Technology Department at Northeast State. “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.”
Northeast State plans to use the ARISE funding to develop a regional aviation education network to address a shortage of aviation maintenance technicians in Central Appalachia. Developed in collaboration with public and private partners across 27 counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, the plan aims to expand access to aviation technology education to train more students to enter Appalachia’s aviation industry. Partners include high schools and employers in Northeast Tennessee and throughout the region.
“This is a major step forward to build a workforce pipeline in aviation technology for Appalachia,” said Blevins.
Northeast State will provide $53,083 in matching funds for the grant. The one-year project develops a plan and creates opportunities for additional grant funding.
The Aviation Technology program operates in the Northeast State Aviation (NSA) Center at Tri-Cities Airport. Students pursuing the A.A.S. degree learn skills associated with the repair and installation of aviation electronics, aircraft structures, and aircraft mechanical systems. Students also develop core skills in fuselage and sheet metal repair, electrical systems, hydraulics, and aircraft repair.
Long-term plans include expanding laboratory work for high school students from around the region. The highly technical nature of aviation technology requires a hands-on approach to prepare for FAA Aviation Maintenance Technical Certification, Blevins said.
“The speed of growth in the aviation industry as well as the number of retirees is driving the need for skilled aviation technology professionals,” said Blevins. “We have a great opportunity to make this work.”
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Northeast State a grant as part of the Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) grant.
In the current round, ARC awarded 12 ARISE grants totaling $33.5 million, including a $120,806 planning grant to Northeast State to work with education and industry stakeholders to expand access to aviation maintenance technician education throughout the region.
“The grant helps our efforts to interest students in aviation in our area,” said Richard Blevins, director of the Aviation Technology Department at Northeast State. “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.”
Northeast State plans to use the ARISE funding to develop a regional aviation education network to address a shortage of aviation maintenance technicians in Central Appalachia. Developed in collaboration with public and private partners across 27 counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, the plan aims to expand access to aviation technology education to train more students to enter Appalachia’s aviation industry. Partners include high schools and employers in Northeast Tennessee and throughout the region.
“This is a major step forward to build a workforce pipeline in aviation technology for Appalachia,” said Blevins.
Northeast State will provide $53,083 in matching funds for the grant. The one-year project develops a plan and creates opportunities for additional grant funding.
The Aviation Technology program operates in the Northeast State Aviation (NSA) Center at Tri-Cities Airport. Students pursuing the A.A.S. degree learn skills associated with the repair and installation of aviation electronics, aircraft structures, and aircraft mechanical systems. Students also develop core skills in fuselage and sheet metal repair, electrical systems, hydraulics, and aircraft repair.
Long-term plans include expanding laboratory work for high school students from around the region. The highly technical nature of aviation technology requires a hands-on approach to prepare for FAA Aviation Maintenance Technical Certification, Blevins said.
“The speed of growth in the aviation industry as well as the number of retirees is driving the need for skilled aviation technology professionals,” said Blevins. “We have a great opportunity to make this work.”
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