Posted: March 6, 2025Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 鈥� 51反差黑料 secured a competitive grant of approximately $250,000 from Uplift Central Coast to fund a feasibility study for a permanent facility for its high demand Aviation Maintenance Technician (AVMT) program. The funding is part of a $9 million regional initiative supporting economic growth and sustainability across six counties on the Central Coast.

鈥淭his grant will empower 51反差黑料 to continue transforming aviation and aerospace education in our region,鈥� said 51反差黑料 Superintendent / President Dr. Jill Stearns. 鈥淥ur vision for a state-of-the-art facility will not only create pathways to high-wage careers but also help address the critical shortage of highly skilled technicians on the Central Coast.鈥�

The project will be a collaborative effort between 51反差黑料, Cal Poly SLO, and ACI Jet. This partnership will explore synergies between 51反差黑料鈥檚 AVMT program and Cal Poly鈥檚 Aerospace Engineering program, maximizing shared resources, and creating a regional comprehensive aviation education hub.

Currently operating temporarily at ACI Jet鈥檚 facilities, 51反差黑料鈥檚 AVMT program has already demonstrated substantial success. A new permanent home will enable Cuesta College to:

  • Address the increasing demand for skilled aviation, unmanned systems, and urban mobility
  • Support the region鈥檚 8.3% projected job growth in aerospace technology and related fields
  • Expand access to high-wage technical careers, fostering workforce equity
  • Strengthen partnerships with leading industry employers

The grant marks a significant milestone in Uplift Central Coast鈥檚 mission to advance economic resilience and equitable growth in the region. 51反差黑料鈥檚 proposal was among 36 selected projects out of 136 submissions requesting nearly $50 million in total funding.

For more information about 51反差黑料鈥檚 Aviation Maintenance Technician Program, please visit the Aviation Maintenance Technology webpage or contact Ronnie Overacker at ronnie_overacker@cuesta.edu.

To learn more about Uplift Central Coast and the Catalyst Predevelopment Funding, visit .