The funding is allocated through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) said in a news release.
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic-development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region, per the release.
SUNY Broome will use the funding to develop the curriculum and secure Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to teach the associate of occupational science degree program, the lawmakers said.
The degree program will certify community college students to sit for FAA airframe and power-plant license exams and help fill job openings in the region’s aviation industry.
“This award is a big step forward in beginning SUNY Broome’s aircraft-maintenance program,” Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said in the release. “Broome County is proud to provide space at the Greater Binghamton Airport to house this program. It’s a win-win for students and local businesses. This program will provide hands-on training for future mechanics who will then be able to fill open aviation jobs in our region. Thank you to the Appalachian Regional Commission for funding this program.”
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
Photo by Adam Rombel/BJNN