The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) proudly announced a $125,000 award from GE Aerospace Foundation to support new equipment and hands-on learning resources for its aviation maintenance technology program. UDC’s program — based in a fully equipped hangar classroom at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport — prepares students for high-demand careers maintaining and repairing modern aircraft.
GE Aerospace and its foundation recently awarded $2.5 million in new donations to strengthen workforce training programs like UDC’s as part of its overarching efforts to help meet the growing need for advanced manufacturing workers across the country.
“This award from GE Aerospace will transform the training experience for our students,” said Aviation Maintenance Technology Program Director Alusine Kanu. “Access to advanced, industry-standard equipment means our students will graduate with not only the practical skills and confidence, but also the technical certifications employers are looking for. It’s an investment in UDC students and in the region’s aviation workforce.”
The university will use the award to acquire state-of-the-art tools and technology that mirror equipment used in today’s aviation maintenance environments, including metal forming tools, wiring trainers, an aircraft engine test cell and an industrial grinder. The upgrades will strengthen the program’s FAA-approved curriculum, which emphasizes technical precision, regulatory compliance and safety standards.
“We appreciate GE Aerospace’s shared commitment to workforce development, innovation and excellence,” said UDC Community College Dean Marilyn Hamilton. “Our students are entering an industry where technology is quickly and constantly changing. Partnerships like this ensure they are ready to lead that change.”
UDC’s aviation maintenance technology program serves around 160 students each year, and 93% of graduates secure aviation maintenance roles within six months of completion. The program combines rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on experience at the hangar, where students train on real aircraft systems under the supervision of certified instructors.
“As the District’s only public university and a proud HBCU, UDC continues to strengthen its role as a pipeline for high-demand, high-skill careers such as aviation maintenance technology,” said UDC President Maurice D. Edington. “Thanks to the support of industry partners like GE Aerospace, we are ensuring our students are equipped with the tools and training they need to succeed — and that the District has the workforce it needs to thrive.”