Labor Department Awarded Grant for Native Aviation Training

The Native American Aviation Association received federal funding to support education and workforce readiness in Kansas.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Financial Aid

Bold vector editorial illustration showing an aircraft turbine blade and a mechanical compass, symbolizing precision education and aviation career training. — The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a federal grant to the Native American Aviation Association to support workforce training programs for students in Kansas. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a grant to the Native American Aviation Association to increase Native participation in the aviation industry. The project partners with Wichita State University Tech to provide technical training and scholarship assistance.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to remove financial barriers to higher education for Native people while addressing the underrepresentation of Native Americans in aerospace and aviation careers. It combines scholarship funding with essential case management and employer engagement.

The grant supports specialized training in fields including Aviation Maintenance Technology, Professional Pilot training, and Aerospace Manufacturing Technology. It operates through the Native American Aviation Workforce Development Program.

The players

U.S. Department of Labor

This federal executive department is responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, and unemployment insurance benefits.

Native American Aviation Association

This organization promotes and advances the interests of Native Americans within the aerospace and aviation sectors.

Wichita State University Tech

This public technical college in Wichita offers specialized degrees and certificates in manufacturing and aviation technology.

The details

Administered under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the grant will facilitate outreach and workforce support for Native American students. The program utilizes facilities at Wichita State University Tech and the National Center for Aviation Training.

The workforce development program is scheduled to span four years.

Roadmap

The aviation industry is currently facing a persistent skilled labor shortage, making targeted workforce development programs essential for future growth. By investing in specialized technical training, this initiative positions local students to fill critical gaps in the aerospace manufacturing sector.

Prospective students in Wichita now have access to new scholarship opportunities and specialized career coaching within the aviation sector. This partnership simplifies the pathway to obtaining technical certifications at Wichita State University Tech.

The takeaway

Prospective students should monitor the association's official announcements to ensure they are prepared when the new scholarship portal goes live. Expanding technical skills through targeted industry partnerships remains a primary pathway for entering high-demand aerospace careers.

What happens next

The Native American Aviation Association plans to launch a scholarship application portal for prospective participants, though a specific launch date has not been announced.