FAA Reopens Aviation Maintenance Workforce Grant Program

The FAA has reopened the Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grant Program, restoring access to federal funding for organizations working to strengthen the aviation maintenance technician pipeline.

The grant program supports technician recruitment, education, outreach, apprenticeships, internships, and other workforce development initiatives aimed at addressing ongoing maintenance workforce shortages.

The FAA issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the fourth round of aviation workforce development grants in early 2025, but the application process was later paused as part of a broader federal review. The delay prompted continued calls from industry and Congress to restore the program and move funding forward. In late 2025, members of Congress formally pressed the FAA for answers on delayed workforce grant funding and compliance with FAA Reauthorization Act requirements.

The reopened maintenance grant is part of the FAA’s broader $26 million aviation workforce development grant announcement, which includes funding for other aviation workforce initiatives.

​Eligible applicants include:

• Certified repair stations
• Labor organizations representing aviation maintenance workers
• Accredited institutions of higher education
• Postsecondary vocational institutions
• High schools
• Aviation-related 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• State, local, territorial, and Tribal governments

Eligible project categories include:

• Aviation maintenance education programs and curriculum development
• Equipment purchases associated with training programs
• Apprenticeship, internship, and scholarship initiatives
• Transition support for veterans and members of the armed forces
• Outreach efforts to promote aviation maintenance careers
• Other initiatives that expand the aviation maintenance workforce

The FAA may award up to $1 million per grant, with applications due June 22, 2026.

Organizations interested in pursuing funding are encouraged to review the Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Notice of Funding Opportunity and application details.

​View Application