February 28, 2017

Stratford Legislators Seek to Move Aviation Technical Schools to State Community-Technical College System

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HARTFORD –State Representatives Ben McGorty (R-122), Laura Hoydick (R-120) and Joe Gresko (D-121) are spearheading legislation this session of the Connecticut General Assembly that will move Connecticut’s aviation maintenance technical schools out from under the State Technical High School System, and under the Regional Community-Technical College System. The Stratford legislators testified before the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee in support of the bill last Thursday.

The Stratford legislators say the move will make aviation maintenance students eligible for scholarships and grants, as well as place a program that requires a high school diploma more appropriately in a college system. The legislators noted that the aviation schools have suffered from budget reductions, causing a threat of tuition to rise from $6,600 to $26,000.

“It’s clear that the level of skill and instruction involved in these aviation schools has a more appropriate home in a college-level system,” said Rep. McGorty. “This move will also provide students with the ability to avail themselves of greater financial support and resources otherwise not available to them.”

“Aviation careers are essential to our region,” said Rep. Hoydick. “The budget cuts and resulting tuition increases have caused a significant drop-off in enrollment at these aviation schools. By moving them into the state’s Community College system, where these institutions more appropriately belong as they are only open to high school graduates, the students will be eligible for grants and financial aid that they currently can’t get.”

“Getting people excited about aviation as a career remains critical and for students interested in an aviation career without the hefty price tag of a four-year degree, community colleges offer an excellent path to gain the skills needed for maintenance and other aircraft jobs,” said Rep. Gresko. “A recent open house at the Stratford school resulted in a committed full class. They just need some assistance with financial aid. I’m happy our delegation’s combined testimony has resulted in the bill getting drafted by the Higher Education Committee.”

The bill, HB 6583, An Act Transferring Connecticut’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools to the Regional Community-Technical College System, remains before the Higher Education Committee and awaits action there.