Proposed aviation STEM grants

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee voted to recommend full funding for two workforce development grant programs supported by AOPA and the aerospace industry to develop high school aviation science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum and support aviation maintenance technician initiatives to meet the long-term demand for aviation workers. The two programs each received committee backing for $5M for FY 2020. Both programs are authorized for five years, as proposed in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) but require funding through the annual appropriations. The pilot education grant program is intended to support the creation and delivery of curriculum and teacher development designed to provide high school students with meaningful STEM and aviation education, and develop the next generation of commercial, general aviation, drone, or military pilots. A vote by the full House is expected this month. The Senate must also consider its own FY-20 Transportation Housing and Urban Development bill. The two chambers will have to reconcile differences before a final bill can go to the president for signing. (Source: AOPA.org 06/05/19)