Macon, Ga. – The Embraer Foundation highlighted Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) aviation students at a special event at the Peyton Anderson Aviation Lab, part of the Central Georgia Aerospace Training and Sustainment Center at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport. The showcase included a check presentation for $15,000 to the CGTC Foundation for student scholarships.
The event recognized the Embraer Foundation’s financial support as well as connected CGTC students with the Embraer organization to foster interest and opportunity in workforce development for the aviation sector. Since the start of the relationship, the Embraer Foundation has partnered with the CGTC Foundation by donating over $35,000 in support of aviation programming.
“Aviation and aerospace remain a vital part of the Central Georgia workforce,” said Tonya L. McClure, the College’s associate vice president for Advancement. “We are delighted that Embraer is prioritizing and supporting our students as we continue building a pipeline for employment.”
In addition to the special check presentation, students interacted with an Embraer recruiter, provided an all-access look at the Sustainment Center and its connection to the aviation industry, Students also participated in a private tour of the Embraer facility adjacent to CGTC’s hangar.
“Big things don’t happen in isolation, you need partners like Embraer and its Foundation to make things happen,” said Mike Pace, dean for Aerospace, Trade and Industry. “Not only does Embraer make a big impact on workforce development locally, but their Foundation and its community philanthropy is global. We are thrilled to be recipients of their generosity.” 
Embraer’s economic and community impact for Central Georgia stabilizes a crucial workforce locally, and now the word about the program and aviation careers is getting out across Georgia.
“When I came to the College, I had no clue about airplanes,” said Kaylee Reed, an Aircraft Structural student who travels from McDonough to earn her degree. “All I knew was what everyone knows about passing through an airport, getting on a plane, and snapping a bunch of travel photos. But now that I am in the program and see all that aviation entails, I’m super grateful for what this scholarship has provided me.”
Reed, an Embraer Scholarship recipient in 2025, also encouraged her classmates to apply for the scholarship.
For more information, contact the CGTC Foundation or the College’s aviation programs visit, www.centralgatech.edu