State Leaders, Educators, and Students Join Aerium to Announce $50,000 Donation to Greater Johnstown Career and Technical Center
Media Advisory
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Contact: Matt Crocco, Director of Communications
Email: crocco@kmwstrategies.com
Phone: 412.592.7061
What:
Aerium is proud to announce a significant investment in the future of aviation education in Pennsylvania. On Thursday, January 23rd, Aerium will donate $50,000 in equipment, training, and scholarship funds to the Greater Johnstown Career and Technical Center (GJCTC). This contribution will infuse GJCTC’s aviation program with new equipment, training, and scholarship funds. The contribution represents a significant investment in regional students and career preparation programs in support of the larger statewide goal of transforming the aviation career pipeline in Pennsylvania. The event will include remarks from key legislative and administrative leaders, education officials, and Aerium representatives, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in preparing students for high-demand careers in aviation and technology.
When:
- Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where:
- Greater Johnstown Career and Technical Center - 445 Schoolhouse Rd, Johnstown, PA 15904
Who:
Aerium Representatives:
- Dr. Larry Nulton – Chairman, Aerium (High-level vision and partnership overview)
- Glenn Ponas – Executive Director, Aerium (Educational mission and district support)
- Mike Artim – Curriculum Development Director, Aerium
State Leaders:
- Senator Wayne Langerholc
- Representative Jim Rigby
- Judd Pittman, State Director of Career Technical Education for Pennsylvania
County Commissioners:
- Scott Hunt
- Keith Rager
- Tom Chernisky
School Representatives:
- John Augustine – Director, Greater Johnstown CTC (Direct program impact and student benefits).
- Representatives of districts that send students to GJCTC.
- Student Representative - TBD
Why:
For Students:
- Students will earn Career and Technical Education stackable credentials and industry certifications leading to meaningful and well-paying Pennsylvania-based careers in aviation and aerospace.
- Students can earn loggable simulator-based flight hours towards a private pilot certificate using the FAA-approved flight simulators provided by Aerium.
- Students will hone industry-critical, hands-on drone flying skills and increase their readiness for drone pilot jobs through the Rocket Drone drone kits provided by Aerium.
- Students will accelerate their preparation for FAA knowledge exams through test prep online applications, helping them master essential knowledge required for aviation careers.
- Students will jump-start their postsecondary education in high school via Aerium-facilitated articulation agreements or dual enrollment credits from St. Francis University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Community College of Beaver County, and others TBD.
For Teachers:
- Teachers receive world-class training and experience with flight simulators and drones.
- Teachers will be able to earn FAA Ground Instructor certifications, better preparing them to provide comprehensive aviation instruction.
- Teachers will receive ongoing free support from Aerium and the AOPA Foundation to help implement high-quality aviation instruction.
For GJCTC:
- GJCTC will extend its regional and state leadership in CTE education by adding one of the first aviation CTE programs in Pennsylvania.
- GJCTC will be able to expand industry-specific drone application course offerings to existing CTE pathways such as construction, robotics, and graphic & digital media design.
- GJCTC will be able to work with sending districts to create district-level aviation education programs that create accelerated pathways for students to GJCTC, postsecondary education, and career entry.
Sending Schools Benefiting:
- Conemaugh Township School District
- Ferndale Area School District
- Forest Hills School District
- Richland School District
- Westmont Hilltop School District
- Windber Area School District
