John I. Smith Charities has contributed $50,000 to the Greenville Tech Foundation for new equipment and upgrades that will enhance the education provided by the Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) program.
The AMT program is preparing for a 2018 move to a new facility at the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC) to be shared with the South Carolina Army National Guard. In the 95,000-square foot building, GTC has dedicated library, classroom, office, and hangar space and use of additional space during the week, when the Guard is not using the building.
In recognition of the gift, a learning space at the new facility will be named the John I. Smith Charities classroom.
“With companies like Boeing in South Carolina, our state needs more qualified aircraft maintenance technicians,” said Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. “Moving to a new facility will allow us to increase our capacity, and this gift will ensure that the education we provide meets employer needs and gives our students strong preparation for the opportunities that are waiting.”
“We are happy to lend our support to Greenville Technical College,” said Elizabeth Clayton, a member of the board of John I. Smith Charities. “The AMT program is important to our community and to our state in bringing opportunities to people. Our gift is designed to help the program provide that education more efficiently and effectively.”