The aviation maintenance training program at Georgia Northwestern Technical College is one of nine aviation maintenance training programs across the U.S. that has received grants totaling $350,000 from The Delta Air Lines Foundation.
The grants will allow the programs to enhance their curriculum development, projects and material support, increasing students' awareness, knowledge and skills of Avionics/Electrical and Composite Structures, officials said.
"Delta and The Delta Air Lines Foundation are committed to investing in the future of aviation professionals in the local communities where we live, work and serve," said Tad Hutcheson, senior vice president of The Delta Air Lines Foundation. "Knowledge of avionics, electrical systems and composite construction is critical in the aviation industry, and this grant will help better prepare students for their future careers."
Five colleges in the Technical College System of Georgia will receive a grant of $50,000, respectively, including:
• Augusta Technical College
• Central Georgia Technical College
• Georgia Northwestern Technical College
• Savannah Technical College
• South Georgia Technical College
The additional schools, which were chosen based on a variety of factors such as student population and promotion of diversity and inclusion, will each receive a $25,000 grant and include:
• Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
• Aviation High School – New York
• San Diego Miramar College
• South Seattle College
In addition to these nine programs, Delta and The Delta Air Lines Foundation have immersive collegiate partnerships from coast-to-coast including Auburn University, Clark Atlanta University, Emory University, Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Spelman College and the University of Georgia to enhance leadership development, higher education and aviation programs and facilities to encourage innovation in the aerospace industry.
The Delta Air Lines Foundation is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1968 to enhance Delta's charitable giving. The Foundation is focused on the key areas of education and health and wellness.
"The Foundation's grants complement Delta's efforts to give back to communities worldwide. As part of its annual giving, Delta is committed to invest one percent of its net income into communities across the globe. Delta's giving is guided by its key pillars of education, global health and wellness, and supporting armed service members and veterans.
"As part of its commitment to educate future aviation professionals, Delta has partnerships with more than 47 Maintenance Training programs across the U.S. to help identify, mentor and source the next generation of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians or AMTs. Through the partnerships, Delta offers tours, job shadows and career guidance for the schools as well as training opportunities for instructors. Where possible, Delta also donates serviceable parts, engines and airframes to give students even more real-world maintenance experience working with jet aircraft components. These partnerships complement the airline's recruiting structure of working with the U.S. military and regional airlines.
"In 2017, Delta and The Delta Air Lines Foundation contributed more than $45 million into worldwide communities," officials said.