SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Rep. Pete Aguilar today announced $400,000 for San Bernardino Valley College’s Aviation Maintenance program. This funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will support students with an interest in pursuing careers in aviation maintenance.

“Supporting technical career opportunities for Inland Empire students is incredibly important,” Rep. Aguilar said. “These opportunities provide our students with a stable career and a livable salary right here in our community. I am proud to announce funding that will encourage students to pursue a path that will help them receive the education and training necessary for a successful future.”

Continued funding of this program will help build stronger relationships between local high schools and San Bernardino Valley College and establish new educational and apprenticeship programs for students interested in the aviation industry.

Dr. Joanna Oxendine, Dean of Research, Planning, and Institutional Effectives with Grants Oversight said, “By capitalizing on SBVC’s established Aviation Mechanics/Airframe and Powerplant Technology program and leveraging existing positive relationships with local K-12 districts, the project aims to not only increase the pool of FAA-certified aircraft maintenance technical workers within the region, but also to prepare students for potentially life-changing opportunities and careers in aviation.  Student success through the project may very well lead to entire families within our community and region being lifted out of the cycle of poverty.”

This award came after Rep. Aguilar wrote a letter to the FAA advocating for this funding.

Rep. Aguilar serves as the Vice Chair of the Democratic Congress and as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for funding federal programs and agencies like the FAA.