Boeing donates $100,000 to Big Bend aviation programs

MOSES LAKE —  Boeing officials announced a $100,000 gift to Big Bend Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) and Commercial Pilot programs during a visit to campus Wednesday. The funds will be used by both programs to purchase equipment and support student scholarships.

Boeing is currently the largest private employer in Washington and has had a presence in the state for more than 100 years. The company has also conducted flight training and testing in Moses Lake for many years.

Boeing also recently announced plans to hire several hundred additional temporary employees in Moses Lake to work on its 737 MAX aircraft and support its safe return to service.

Boeing’s donation to the college demonstrates the company’s commitment to being a supportive member of the Moses Lake community.

“Boeing’s generous gift to Big Bend will open access to students seeking high-demand, high-skill, high-wage careers in aviation maintenance technology and commercial flight,” said BBCC President Terry Leas. “We are grateful for Boeing’s willingness to invest in our students’ futures.”

Boeing Vice President of Government Operations Bill McSherry made the announcement in front of students and instructors from both Big Bend programs, as well as campus and community leaders and area legislators.

 “Boeing values a strong sense of community, and as a company we make it a point of being engaged and giving back to the communities where our employees live and work,” said McSherry. “We believe in being a good neighbor and are sharply focused on investing in programs that support our future, that is organizations committed to inspiring and preparing the next generation of innovators.”

 “Contributions from our partners, such as Boeing, have the power to transform lives by providing access and enhancing our ability to serve our students by providing funds for equipment and facilities,” said BBCC Trustee Anna Franz. “Today’s investment will ensure that Big Bend is able to continue to train highly skilled commercial pilots and aviation maintenance technicians to ensure a strong and safe global community now and well into the future.”

Boeing also announced a $25,000 donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin during the event. The funds will support the organization’s Education and Career Development program.

“Boeing offers our sincere appreciation to the Moses Lake community for its long-standing partnership and support,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes Kevin McAllister. “With our recent announcement to employ hundreds of people in the area, we are pleased to invest in two strong organizations in BBCC and Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia Basin to help them further their mission to serve the Moses Lake community.”