FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2024

Fairmont, WV – Students in Pierpont Community and Technical College’s aviation maintenance technology program will have greater access to essential financial support through a generous donation made by Pratt & Whitney. 

During a check signing and presentation on Monday, November 18, representatives from Pratt & Whitney presented Pierpont’s aviation maintenance technology program with a $15,000 donation to support student scholarships. The scholarships will provide essential financial support to students as they complete the program and begin their certification testing through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

“We are very grateful to Pratt & Whitney for their support,” said Dr. Brad Gilbert, Director of Pierpont’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program. “It goes a long way in helping the students with their certification exams, and it’s a motivator for them to complete their training and enter the industry.”

Pratt & Whitney has been a steadfast supporter of the program, donating over $47,000 in support of scholarships since 2021.

“The aviation program [at Pierpont] is really important to Pratt & Whitney, especially now as we are adding new programs and expanding the business,” said Nathan Weese, a representative of Pratt & Whitney and board member on Pierpont’s Board of Governors. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Pierpont in the years to come.” 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for aircraft maintenance mechanics and technicians is expected to grow by 5% through 2033, with faster average growth in select areas. Pierpont’s two-year program is positioned to support the projected growth by producing highly skilled graduates who are ready to enter the field upon completion of their certification testing. 

“When we talk about our billion-dollar annual economic impact, Pierpont’s aviation maintenance technology program is really at the nucleus of it all,” said Tracy Miller, President of the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex. “Even though West Virginia has done much with the legislature’s support for free community college through the WV Invests Grant Program, there are still many fees and tests, especially with FAA certifications. The support from Pratt & Whitney over the years, and this donation today, are of paramount importance to the success of the students and the impact they will make on the future of aviation.”

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For more information:
Pierpont Community and Technical College
Office of Marketing and Communications
communications@pierpont.edu