Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Minorities in Aviation Education Act of 2018”.
Minorities in Aviation Education Act of 2018
A BILL
To establish a grant program under the Federal Aviation Administration to improve the preparation and representation of certain students in aviation-related fields.
Sec. 2 Bessie Coleman Aviation Education Program
In general— The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish the Bessie Coleman Aviation Education Program to improve the preparation and representation of students, particularly women and minorities, in aviation-related fields.
Authorized activities— The Administrator shall award grants under this subsection on the basis of a competitive peer review process. Grants awarded under this subsection may be used for increasing exposure and access to aviation-related education and jobs through such means as—
internships that offer students experience in the aviation industry;
programs that introduce students to unmanned aircraft operations;
career exploration and educational programs that teach technical skills used in aviation maintenance, or to improve existing such programs; and
programs to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities in postsecondary aviation degree programs.
Application and review procedures—
In general— An entity described in paragraph (3) seeking funding under this subsection shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require. Such application, at a minimum, shall include a description of how the funds will be used to carry out the activities described in subsection (b).
Priority— In making awards under this subsection, the Administrator shall give priority to applicants that will encourage the participation of women and minorities.
Eligibility— Local educational agencies, State educational agencies, and State and local governments, which may enter into a partnership agreement with institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, or other entities, shall be eligible to apply for grants under this subsection.
Definitions— In this subsection, the following definitions apply:
Institution of higher education— The term “institution of higher education” has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
Local educational agency— The term “local educational agency” has the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
State educational agency— The term “State educational agency” has the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
Authorization of appropriations— There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.