Embraer Foundation Awards Scholarships
Fort Worth, Texas — US Aviation Academy proudly hosted the Embraer Foundation Scholarship Awards Ceremony, celebrating a new partnership focused on student success and the future of aviation workforce development. Through the Embraer Foundation Educational Partnership Program, ten Aviation Maintenance Technician students were awarded scholarships supporting their path toward FAA certification and careers in aviation maintenance.
The partnership follows the opening of Embraer’s new commercial Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Perot Field Alliance Airport in Fort Worth in summer 2025. As Embraer expanded its U.S. maintenance footprint, the company and US Aviation Academy connected around a shared mission: developing skilled aviation professionals and expanding access to career-ready education.
“Student success is at the heart of everything we do,” said Michelle McConnell, who delivered welcome and closing remarks on behalf of US Aviation Academy. “Aviation is not just about aircraft—it’s about people. It’s about opportunity, confidence, safety, and helping students see a future that once may have felt out of reach.”
With support from Native Americans in Aviation, US Aviation Academy was selected as an Embraer Foundation 2025 Educational Partner. In October, the Embraer Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to be applied directly toward scholarship funding for Aviation Maintenance Technician students.
“This investment represents more than financial support,” McConnell said. “It represents belief—belief in our students, belief in education, and belief in the future of aviation.”
The ceremony featured remarks from Michael Wagner, Board Member of Native Americans in Aviation and Financial Controller for US Aviation Academy, followed by Sergio Cerro, Vice President of Operations for Embraer’s Fort Worth facility. Cerro highlighted Embraer’s commitment to community investment and developing the next generation of aviation professionals.
Each scholarship recipient received $2,500 to be applied toward tuition in US Aviation Academy’s Aviation Maintenance Technician program.
“These students have demonstrated perseverance, commitment, and a clear dedication to building a future in aviation maintenance,” McConnell added. “We are proud to support them and look forward to celebrating the milestones still ahead in their careers.”
US Aviation Academy expressed its appreciation to the Embraer Foundation for its investment in education and workforce development, to Native Americans in Aviation for its continued advocacy and mentorship, and to faculty and leadership who advance the academy’s Students First philosophy every day.
“Aviation is a small industry built on relationships, professionalism, and passion,” McConnell concluded. “The success of these students contributes directly to the strength and future of our industry.”