Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $150,000 in federal funding for SUNY Broome in Binghamton. The funding was allocated through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and will be used to develop a curriculum and secure Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to teach an Associate of Occupational Science degree program in Aircraft Maintenance. The degree program will certify community college students to sit for FAA Airframe and Powerplant license exams and help fill job openings in the region’s aviation industry.
SUNY Broome has already started to collaborate with the FAA, as well as local and regional aircraft and aerospace companies, to seek input and advice on industry needs for aircraft mechanics. This funding will help the college acquire aircraft engines, test stands, and instructional aids and mockups required to support course materials and secure FAA approval to begin the Aircraft Maintenance Degree Program.
“This vital federal investment will clear SUNY Broome’s Aircraft Maintenance degree program for take-off,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to announce this funding which will bring good paying jobs to the Southern Tier, and put SUNY Broome’s Aircraft Maintenance degree program even more on the map. I look forward to hearing about the program’s future successes and will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure that colleges and universities across Upstate New York have the resources they need to grow and prosper.”
“Through this federal investment, SUNY Broome will be one step closer to earning the FAA certification necessary for their Aircraft Maintenance degree program,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This is a very exciting program and it would help bring many new job opportunities to the entire Binghamton community. I will continue to support SUNY Broome’s efforts to build this program, and I will always fight to make sure that New York’s colleges and universities have the resources necessary to equip students with the skills they need to succeed.”
“This award is a big step forward in beginning SUNY Broome’s Aircraft Maintenance program. Broome County is proud to provide space at the Greater Binghamton Airport to house this program. It’s a win-win for students and local businesses. This program will provide hands-on training for future mechanics who will then be able to fill open aviation jobs in our region. Thank you to the Appalachian Regional Commission for funding this program,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. More information can be found here.