Congressman Don Davis presented Lenoir Community College $285,480 from the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission for the Aviation Center for Excellence and its Aviation Academy. The presentation was made at the Lenoir Community College Greene County Center in Snow Hill.

The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) is extremely excited about this inaugural group of projects that have come forth through our office. North Carolina has received 10 of the 57 projects that we will implement over the next two years, said Dr. Jennifer Clyburn-Reed, federal co-chair of the SCRC. “We are extremely excited about this project in aviation, the innovation that will be thrust into the community to ensure that the economy becomes stronger.”

Congressman Davis said this grant will boost training for skilled aviation mechanics and support local job growth in the east. “This about offering opportunities, real opportunities for not only for those in this community but for young people across the east. Why not put aviation in reach, why not put maintenance in reach.”

“President Hunt, I really appreciate you,” said Congressman Davis. “In North Carolina, we are a leader across the nation in our community college system. This is a living example of what we can do to change lives to make a difference and to keep the American dream within reach for our young people right here in eastern North Carolina.” 

“We are extremely excited and appreciative for the SCRC grant and for what it will help us to accomplish for the workforce,” said LCC President Dr. Rusty Hunt. In addition to LCC’s existing aviation programs, the College will add a much-needed and in-demand program for aircraft maintenance. Students will gain the knowledge and skills to qualify for an aircraft mechanic’s certificate with airframe ratings. This program has never been offered at the College, and it will provide students in our region the opportunity to acquire employment in their local communities.

Kenny Flowers, assistant secretary of Rural Development at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, congratulated Dr. Hunt and the College on behalf of Gov. Cooper and Secretary Sanders. “We are so excited about this project. It really brings to fruition on some things that really support a very important industry segment in North Carolina and that’s aerospace and see how it will impact our workforce and the communities. We don’t know anything that is not as important as our workforce.”

Pictured left to right are Lenoir Community College Dr. Rusty Hunt, federal co-chair of the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission Dr. Jennifer Clyburn-Reed, LCC Aviation Systems Technology/Airframe & Powerplant Program Chair/Instructor Dustin Pollock, Sr. Vice President of Student Services and Workforce Development Dr. John Paul Black, Appalachian Regional Commission Program Director at the North Carolina Department of Commerce Olivia Collier, Assistant Secretary of Rural Development at the North Carolina Department of Commerce Kenny Flowers, LCC Director of Aviation Programs Mat Tribula, and Congressman Don Davis.