The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is expanding its scholarship program to support students of Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell with a new Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Scholarship.
“The Reno Air Racing Association has always been dedicated to fostering the next generation of aviation professionals, and this scholarship is another step toward ensuring the industry has highly trained and qualified mechanics,” said Fred Telling, CEO and chairman of RARA and National Championship Air Races and Air Show on Sept. 10-14, coming for the first time to the Roswell Air Center.
“Aircraft maintenance is a crucial component of aviation safety, and we are proud to support students pursuing this essential career path,” Telling also stressed.
There is a nationwide shortage of many types of aviation industry workers. A March 2024 article featured online by Aviation International News stated that the most critical worker shortage is among maintenance technicians. While the pilot shortage appears to be easing, the need for these workers remains an ongoing problem.
“By expanding its scholarship offerings to include aviation maintenance, RARA continues its mission of ensuring a strong and skilled workforce for the aviation industry. The organization remains committed to opening doors for students who dream of a career in aviation, whether in the cockpit or behind the scenes ensuring aircraft safety and efficiency,” RARA explained in its announcement.
This A&P scholarship is for students enrolled in ENMU-R’s FAA Part 147-certified Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program. The scholarship will provide financial support by paying for tuition, tooling, supplies and testing fees of up to $10,000 per student. It is open to Chaves County and Southeastern New Mexico residents who maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and 80% attendance throughout the AMT program, the announcement emphasized.
“This scholarship is an incredible opportunity for our students,” said Shawn Powell, president of ENMU-R and also a member of the Roswell Airport Advisory Commission. “Many aspiring aviation maintenance professionals face financial obstacles, and this program will help alleviate that burden. We are grateful to RARA for investing in the education and future of our students.”
Since 2022, RARA has awarded 33 scholarships of $10,000 each to aspiring pilots pursuing their private pilot certificates. In 2024 alone, RARA provided 13 additional scholarships to youth in and around Reno, Nevada. However, this is their first scholarship program that highlights aviation education in Chaves County and Southeastern New Mexico.
“It benefits the (AMT) program greatly,” said Martha Staab, ENMU-R’s director of marketing and public relations. Hopefully, it will entice more students to join the program and pursue that career.”
RARA is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Scholarships, education and other forms of community support and outreach have been vital to its organizers and event participants. More of these endeavors will gear up as the start of the air races comes closer.
Such activities are a primary focus and allow the organization ”to show why they are not for profit,” said Greg Gibson, RARA’s scholarship coordinator.
For details about RARA’s scholarship programs, visit www.airrace.org. To learn more about ENMU-Roswell’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program, visit www.roswell.enmu.edu.