The funding, provided by Georgia Power, will allow Wings of Grace to expand its programs, lowering the financial barriers for more people to pursue aviation careers in Glynn County.
BRUNSWICK, Ga., April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Wings of Grace Ministries celebrated the graduation of 13 students from its Wings MX Aviation Maintenance Technician certificate program, the same day the Golden Isles Development Authority announced a $40,000 grant to help bolster Wings of Grace's aviation workforce training. The grant will allow Wings of Grace to expand its educational opportunities for aviation maintenance students and teen aviators.
The funding, provided by Georgia Power to support workforce initiatives, makes aviation training accessible to more students in Glynn County. With the grant, Wings of Grace plans to move into a larger facility at the Old Manning FBO building at Brunswick Golden Isles Airport, more than doubling its space to 12,000 square feet and providing additional students with free or low-cost training toward aviation careers.
"This investment is a critical step in building a sustainable workforce pipeline for Glynn County's aviation industry," said Ryan Moore, President & CEO of the Golden Isles Development Authority, who delivered the commencement address at the Wings of Grace Aviation Training Center at Brunswick Golden Isles Airport. "By partnering with Wings of Grace, we are lowering financial barriers and creating direct career pathways for students to enter high-demand jobs in aerospace."
Graduates of the Wings MX program leave with practical experience in aviation maintenance, safety procedures, and regulatory compliance, positioning them for employment opportunities at aviation companies such as Gulfstream. The curriculum covers everything from aircraft inspections and corrosion removal to engine systems and safety certifications. Wings of Grace's teen aviation program, open to local 8th and 9th graders interested in flight, uses the latest published materials to teach a thorough understanding of all aspects of aviation needed for a private pilot's license.
"With this grant, we will be able to give more students pathways to aviation careers, whether as pilots or maintenance technicians," said Damon Whitlow, CFO, Wings of Grace Ministries, Inc. "Many of our students would not have the financial means to pursue these jobs without programs like ours, and this grant ensures we can continue growing and serving more people in our community."
Wings of Grace Ministries has a longstanding commitment to aviation education, offering mentorship, internships, and hands-on training opportunities to prepare students for careers in the industry. Their programs' success stories include graduates who have gone on to become commercial pilots, aviation mechanics, and other aerospace professionals. The Golden Isles Development Authority's investment in aviation workforce development aligns with broader regional efforts to attract aerospace businesses and create high-paying job opportunities in Glynn County.
About the Golden Isles Development Authority
The Development Authority is the organization that is tasked with the creation of jobs and investment in Glynn County through the retention, expansion, and attraction of business and industry. Its mission is to ensure that Brunswick and Glynn County have a strong business climate that encourages the growth of existing industries and is an attractive location for prospective businesses.
Media Contact
McKenzie Padgett, Golden Isles Development Authority, 1 912-536-0844, [email protected]
SOURCE Golden Isles Development Authority
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