WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $500,000 to the University of North Dakota (UND).
This funding was made available through the FAA Aviation Workforce Development Grant Program, which Senator John Hoeven, R-N.D., helped create in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, to support workforce development for both Aircraft Pilots and Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers. The grant will be used to support efforts to expand access to drone and unmanned aerial system (UAS) technologies in middle and high schools across the state, further highlighting career and industry opportunities to students. Last year, Hoeven led the state’s congressional delegation in sending a letter to the FAA on behalf of UND’s request, outlining the critical role aviation plays in North Dakota.
“We have grown our state into a primary hub of research, development, training and operations for the UAS industry,” said Hoeven. “As the nation’s demand for qualified pilots continues to grow, today’s grant will support UND’s continued efforts to engage with North Dakota students, raise their awareness of promising career opportunities and help meet the future needs of our aviation industry.”
