NOAA Partnership, New Training Equipment Puts School on Track to Bolster Aviation Learning in Kansas

Kansas State University got some good news in the form of more federal funding for its Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, and now plans a large $28 million expansion with $5.5 million set aside for aviation training gear.

The news came by way of US Senator Jerry Moran, friend of the industry, who announced the "transformational federal grant" to build the new educational hub for several of Kansas State Salina's programs. The training equipment will be selected to "amplify the training partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The new facility will serve as the Aerospace Education Hub, and show just how laser-focused the college is becoming on the promising future of aviation as a whole. It comes as the second phase to revitalize the school's region, following the installation of the "General Atomics Aerospace Innovation Ramp" donated by that company in the fall of '22.

"The federal resources I worked to secure will grow K-State's research and development footprint to better serve Kansans and attract new students and faculty to Salina," said Moran, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. "It has long been my goal to make certain Kansas is a place where students can find a quality education and a fulfilling career without having to leave the state. K-State Salina is a hub for learning, research and innovation, and these federal resources are an investment in expanding the great work being done at the university."

"This investment marks the next phase in K-State Salina's continuous growth," added Alysia Starkey, CEO and dean of Kansas State Salina. "As we develop this new, state-of-the-art space for our uncrewed aircraft systems, composites and aviation maintenance programs, we are also establishing the future of aerospace education. The alignment of these critical disciplines enables K-State Salina to educate learners, collaborate with industry and further advanced air mobility solutions for the region and nation."

FMI: www.k-state.edu