ECSU Aviation Science program receives $1.1 million Golden LEAF Foundation grant

Kesha Williams
December 15, 2014

The Golden LEAF Foundation recently awarded Elizabeth City State University a $1.1 million grant to strengthen aviation education and workforce development in northeastern North Carolina. The grant will enable ECSU and its partners to promote aviation education and to produce the skilled and educated workforce necessary to attract new businesses to the region.Over the next two years, the grant will support ECSU curriculum enhancements the development of a Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations &amp Management Program, which would be one of five specializations in the ECSU aviation science degree program. It would also help ECSU expand partnerships with community colleges, public school districts and education outreach programs for high school students. &quotThis grant award is an investment in ECSU and consequently the region’s aviation science program and outreach. This is certainly good news and we appreciate Golden LEAF’s vote of confidence,&quot said Chancellor Stacey Franklin Jones. ECSU offers a bachelor’s degree in aviation science with specializations in flight education, aviation electronics, aviation management, and air traffic control. &quotAs the only university in North Carolina that offers a B.S. degree in aviation science, ECSU is in a unique position to lead state aviation education initiatives. We can provide our graduates with the expertise needed to succeed in the aviation/aerospace industry,&quot said Dr. Kuldeep Rawat, chairperson of the Technology Department, director of the Aviation Science Program and project director of this grant. ABOUT THE GOLDEN LEAF FOUNDATION: Golden LEAF’s mission is to promote the social welfare of North Carolina’s citizens and to receive and distribute funds for economic impact assistance to economically affected or tobacco-dependent regions of North Carolina. The Foundation awards grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities across North Carolina. Golden LEAF’s grants making focuses on three priorities: agriculture, job creation and retention, and workforce preparedness.