The Marshall University Foundation has announced a grant of $35,000 from Embraer and the Embraer Foundation through its Educational Partnership Program to support student experiences in the Division of Aviation at Marshall University.
“Embarking on a career in aviation starts with opportunity,” said Monica Newman McCluney, head of U.S. corporate social responsibility and the Embraer Foundation. “Since the launch of Marshall University’s AMT program, the Embraer Foundation has contributed over $150,000 — and paired that support with campus visits, mentoring and immersive experiences that help students see themselves in aviation. Through Embraer Signing Day and Embraer Campus Days, we are proud to inspire students across disciplines to envision a future in this dynamic industry.”
With this grant, students in the Division of Aviation will continue to travel, attend an industry conferences, and engage in job shadowing experiences with seasoned professionals. Additionally, the funding supports their efforts in working toward achieving their Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) certifications.
“Marshall University Aviation is pleased and proud to partner with Embraer in providing line of sight opportunities in aviation to the citizens of West Virginia and the surrounding areas,” said Bill Noe, chief aviation officer.
As the third largest commercial aircraft manufacturer, Embraer and its U.S. corporate nonprofit, the Embraer Foundation, partnered to develop the Embraer Educational Partnership Program. The program launched in 2022 to identify new talent through secondary and post-secondary aviation program partnerships with a focus on recruitment, student scholarships and a structured internship program, as well as promote brand awareness in a competitive field. Through the program, Embraer offers a series of scholarships, grants, apprenticeship and internship placements to build and retain a diverse workforce.
In addition to this most recent grant, the Embraer Foundation has provided Marshall with a total of $120,000 in grant funding to date. Embraer first partnered with Marshall in 2022 to support the launch of its Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program, developed in collaboration with Mountwest Community and Technical College. The initial $50,000 grant helped equip the program with essential resources, including funding for professional-grade tool kits for student use. In 2023 and 2024, the Embraer Foundation contributed an additional $35,000 to help expand access to student experiences.
“The Marshall University Foundation is proud to once again partner with Embraer and the Embraer Foundation to support the educational training of our aviation students,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO. “At Marshall, we are proud to be at the forefront of aviation innovation, providing our students with access to cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning. This grant ensures they gain a rich, well-rounded experience that prepares them for success.
Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Brazil, Embraer is an aerospace corporation primarily known for designing and manufacturing commercial, military, executive and agricultural aircraft. It is one of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world.