PRESS RELEASE: Greater Milwaukee Committee Receives Grant From Southwest Airlines to Grow Aviation W
New program with MPS’ Bradley Tech High School, MATC to focus on training students for careers in aviation industry
March 8, 2019 MILWAUKEE – The Greater Milwaukee Committee, Bradley Technology and Trade High School (Bradley Tech High School) and Milwaukee Area Technical College have been selected as a recipient of a portion of a $1 million Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) Charitable Grant that focuses on building a stronger workforce of tomorrow. The grant will fund the “Expanding Milwaukee's Aviation Pipeline” project.
The Texas-based airline is supporting two-dozen nonprofit organizations across the country, which are strengthening their communities through K-12 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, building a resilient workforce, and leadership development.
The Expanding Milwaukee's Aviation Pipeline project is a strategic partnership between the GMC, MATC, and Bradley Tech within Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). The partners will work to align existing programs and expand enrollment in MATC's aviation program to increase the number of workforce-ready candidates.
The collaborative will establish a pipeline for MATC’s Aviation Technician program, starting with outreach activities at Bradley Tech – the premier technology and trade high school in Milwaukee. Bradley Tech educates more than 900 students and currently partners with MATC to offer college credit classes in career pathways including construction, design, manufacturing, and pre-engineering.
“This grant will provide pathways to stable, in-demand careers that require specific technical training. MPS is excited to connect our students to career opportunities and skills in an industry that is essential to the quality of life in southeast Wisconsin,” said Dr. Keith P. Posley, Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools.
Through this new project, the partners will coordinate recruitment and field experiences for Bradley Tech students in the spring and fall semesters to increase student knowledge of aviation careers. These will include two tour experiences at Mitchell International Airport and two recruitment events at MATC. The airport experience will replicate the highly successful Council of Small Business Executives tours. Approximately 80 high school students are anticipated to participate in the experiences.
“We are creating a pipeline for high school students to take college-level aviation courses through MATC and connect to an in-demand, high-paying career more quickly,” said MATC President Dr. Vicki J. Martin. “Through the support of the Southwest Airlines Foundation, our expert instructors will be providing hands-on learning experiences for students who may not have otherwise known about these career opportunities in our region.”
“The GMC has long worked with the Bradley Tech Foundation on the growth and funding of its technical and trade programs. This grant is a big win for the school, and a big win for the future of work force in Milwaukee,” said Julia Taylor, President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee
“At Southwest, we believe in connecting People and championing communities,” said Bob Jordan, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services. “As part of this commitment, Southwest is investing in communities across the country by supporting innovative nonprofits that are building resilient workforces, inspiring leaders, and enhancing STEM education. We want to champion their efforts and empower these communities to thrive.”
The grant funds will be awarded from the Southwest Airlines Foundation, a corporate advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation®.
By loving people, building resilience, and living responsibly, Southwest and its more than 58,000 employees stand for connecting people and championing communities. To learn more about the grant programs, visit swa.is/grantrecipients.
About The Greater Milwaukee Committee
The Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC) ensures that Milwaukee is the best place to live, learn, work, play, and stay. In fulfilling its mission, the GMC convenes and collaborates with other organizations and groups in the community on an issue-by-issue basis. In addition, the GMC leads by initiating projects and implementing strategies in three focus areas: Innovation and Talent, Economic Prosperity, and Vibrancy of Place.
The GMC, comprised of our region's business, labor, academic, philanthropic, nonprofit, and community leaders, believes that intelligent, active interest in public affairs is the true measure of civic engagement and lays the foundation for a great community to thrive. Members leverage their experience, resources, intellectual capital, and love for Milwaukee to make the GMC a dynamic organization that responds to challenges in the community, launching and supporting initiatives using innovative strategies and techniques, transitioning them into sustainable, independent programs.
About Milwaukee Area Technical College
Wisconsin’s largest technical college and the most diverse two-year institution in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. Approximately 37,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers 200 academic programs; transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 35 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the national standard for academics and student services.
About Bradley Tech
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade High School (Bradley Tech) is the premier technology and trade school of Milwaukee with a rich history and ever evolving future. Bradley Tech educates approximately 1,000 students from across the city and provides them with the knowledge and skills necessary to become productive citizens within their communities and beyond. To learn more about the school and its students, visit http://www5.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/school/bradleytech/.
About Milwaukee Public Schools
Milwaukee Public Schools is committed to accelerating student achievement, building positive relationships between youth and adults and cultivating leadership at all levels. The district’s commitment to improvement continues to show results:
More MPS students are taking college-level Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses;
The MPS Class of 2018 earned $86+ million in scholarships; and
MPS is home to seven of the state and nation’s top high schools according to U.S. News and World Report and the Washington Post.
Learn more about MPS by visiting the News page.
About Southwest Airlines
In its 48th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 58,000 Employees to a Customer base topping 120 million passengers annually. Southwest became the nation’s largest domestic air carrier in 2003 and maintains that ranking based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded. In peak travel seasons, Southwest operates more than 4,000 weekday departures among a network of 99 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries. Southwest has announced its intention to serve Hawaii, subject to requisite governmental approvals.
Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. Learn more about how the carrier gives back to communities across the world by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.
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