Grant Will Help Local Student Mechanics Aspiring To Jobs In Aviation

A contingent from the University of North Dakota (UND) Aerospace Foundation in Grand Forks arrived in Southern California to donate $25,000 to the Los Angeles Unified School District's struggling aircraft mechanics school on Saturday at 1930 PDT at Van Nuys Airport.

The donation will be used to award scholarships to low-income students preparing for a variety of high-paying, high-skilled jobs as trained A&P mechanics. Recently threatened for closure by budget cuts, the vocational school was saved by a large private donation, strong advocacy campaign and rent relief from Los Angeles World Airports.

"The University of North Dakota is home to one of the nation's top collegiate flight training programs and we're honored to show our support for one of the nation's top aircraft mechanics schools," said Larry Martin, board chairman for the non-profit UND Aerospace Foundation. "Aircraft maintenance is one of the most important jobs in aviation, and great pilots need skilled aircraft mechanics to protect the safety of both flight crew and passengers."

Martin presented an oversized $25,000 check to school district officials at the prestigious Valley of the Stars Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony honoring leaders in education, business and community service. The aviation-themed event also honored veteran pilot and UND board member Clay Lacy. The ceremony took place at Clay Lacy Aviation's Hangar 3 at Van Nuys.

FMI: www.aero.und.edu