Overview

On May 16, 2024, the President signed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S.1939 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress). In section 440 of the act, Congress reauthorized the FAA to continue the  Aviation Workforce Development Grant, established by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. This program’s goal is to support the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance workforce. Congress approved the program through the end of fiscal year 2028.

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Objectives

The aviation workforce development grants for aviation maintenance technical workers support proposals that generate and increase interest and prepare students to pursue aviation maintenance careers.

Eligible Entities

Only the following types of entities are eligible to apply:

• A certified repair station that provides training defined in part 21, 121, 135, 145, or 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
• Labor organization representing aviation maintenance workers;
• Accredited institution of higher education (20 U.S.C. § 1001), a postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or secondary school (20 U.S.C. § 7801);
• Aviation-related nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; or
• A State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental entity.

Eligible Projects

Only projects that fall into one or more of the following categories will be eligible for award:

• To create and deliver a program or curriculum that provides high school and secondary school students and students of institutions of higher education with meaningful aviation maintenance education to become an aviation mechanic or aviation maintenance technician, including purchasing and operating equipment associated with such curriculum
• To establish or improve registered apprenticeship, internship, or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing employment in the aviation maintenance industry
• To support the transition to aviation maintenance careers, including for members and veterans of the armed forces
• To support robust outreach about careers in the aviation maintenance industry, including outreach to populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry
• To otherwise enhance or expand the aviation maintenance technical workforce

Funding

The FAA may award up to $1,000,000 (the ceiling established by legislation) for any one grant in any one fiscal year.

This grant program is competitive. The FAA reserves the right to award grants based on the quantity and quality of proposals received in response to the Notice of Funding Opportunity. 

The FAA will not reimburse any pre-award or application preparation costs, or for facility construction or research activities.

Questions

If you have further questions, please email: AWD-Grants@faa.gov