Boing yesterday announced a $3 million grant to help pay for scholarships for flight and maintenance technician training, as well as for certification costs associated with pilot and technician programs. This $3 million will be used to create a permanent endowment, which will fund the scholarships and program costs. The scholarship money will be available for all students, according to Boeing, “with a focus on increasing the number of women, military veterans, and minority students enrolled in both programs.” The grant is part of Boeing’s efforts to support STEM programs and women, military veterans, and minorities.

"It's essential that industry and higher education work together to increase the pipeline of aerospace talent,” said Boeing chairman, president, and CEO Dennis Muilenburg, speaking at the 18th Annual U.S. Chamber of Commerce Aviation Summit. “Our partnership with Embry-Riddle demonstrates Boeing's commitment to the continued growth and diversification of the global aerospace industry," he said. "Through this grant, we'll help more students—with more diverse backgrounds—learn with greater efficiency and perform more effectively once on the job.”

Boeing’s 2018 Pilot & Technician Outlook projected that, worldwide, 790,000 new civil aviation pilots and 754,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed over the next 20 years. This includes commercial and business aviation, including helicopters.