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The proposal would move Connecticut's aviation maintenance technical schools out from under the State Technical High School System and into the Regional Community College System.
The measure would 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 lawmakers said.
Reps. Laura Hoydick (R-120), Ben McGorty (R-122) and Joe Gresko (D-121) are spearheading the legislation and testified before the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee in support of the bill last week.
They noted that aviation schools have suffered from budget reductions, causing a threat of tuition to rise from $6,600 to $26,000.
Stratford is home to the Stratford School of Aviation Maintenance Technicians.
“Aviation careers are essential to our region,” said 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.”
The bill, HB 6583, An Act Transferring Connecticut’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools to the Regional Community-Technical College System is before the Higher Education Committee awaiting action.
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