The North Carolina Department of Transportation is now accepting applications from airports for its 2022 ACE (Aviation Career Education) academy grant program.
The grants provide up to $3,000 per academy to encourage airports to host summer aviation career-focused camps for 30 middle and high school students. The topics can include anything from the history of aviation to unmanned aircraft systems. The purpose of the course is to put emphasis on the importance of aviation and aerospace careers.
Phil Edwards, Director of the Columbus County Airport, says he believes that all education offered to youth as to perspective careers is valuable. “I think there will be numerous job openings in the future in the field of aviation.”
The NCDOT has allocated $24,000 in grant funds for the summer aviation program. All 72 of North Carolinas airports are eligible as long as they meet the 30 participants requirement. Airports are encouraged to partner with local schools and non-profit organizations to apply. The deadline is March 7.
North Carolina airports bring in more than $61 billion annually for the state’s economy and provide over 373,000 jobs. “There is already a tremendous need to develop the workforce in the transportation industry,” said NCDOT Director of Aviation Bobby Walston. He believes that instilling the value of an aviation career in today’s youth will develop a “strong talent pipeline” that will later provide jobs for people and the community.
For more information about the grants and summer academies, visit www.connect.ncdot.gov and search for “ACE Academies.”
