Investing in the future of local college students
Boeing donates $100,000 to Big Bend Community College aviation programs
For Goodness Sake Travel & LeisureBoeing officials announced a $100,000 gift to Big Bend Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) and Commercial Pilot programs during a visit to campus Wednesday. The funds will be used by both programs to purchase equipment and support student scholarships.
Boeing is currently the largest private employer in Washington and has had a presence in the state for more than 100 years. The company has also conducted flight training and testing in Moses Lake for many years. Boeing also recently announced plans to hire several hundred additional temporary employees in Moses Lake to work on its 737 MAX aircraft and support its safe return to service.
“Boeing’s generous gift to Big Bend will open access to students seeking high-demand, high-skill, high-wage careers in aviation maintenance technology and commercial flight,” said BBCC President Terry Leas. “We are grateful for Boeing’s willingness to invest in our students’ futures.”
Boeing Vice President of Government Operations Bill McSherry made the announcement in front of students and instructors from both Big Bend programs, as well as campus and community leaders and area legislators. “Boeing values a strong sense of community, and as a company, we make it a point of being engaged and giving back to the communities where our employees live and work,” said McSherry. “We believe in being a good neighbor and are sharply focused on investing in programs that support our future, that is organizations committed to inspiring and preparing the next generation of innovators.”
“Contributions from our partners, such as Boeing, have the power to transform lives by providing access and enhancing our ability to serve our students by providing funds for equipment and facilities,” said BBCC Trustee Anna Franz. “Today’s investment will ensure that Big Bend is able to continue to train highly skilled commercial pilots and aviation maintenance technicians to ensure a strong and safe global community now and well into the future.”
In the PHOTO: L-R: Boeing Vice President of Government Operations Bill McSherry, State Representative Tom Dent, Moses Lake Mayor Karen Liebrecht, BBCC Trustee Anna Franz, BBCC President Terry Leas, Boys and Girls Club executive director Kim Pope, State Representative Alex Ybarra.
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