Aviation Minority Workforce Development Act of 2023

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a grant program to increase racial and gender minority access and representation in the aviation workforce, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Aviation Minority Workforce Development Act of 2023 2. Grant program to increase racial and gender minority access and representation in the aviation workforce (a) In general Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish a program to award grants to eligible entities to increase racial and gender minority access and representation in the aviation workforce. (b) Use of funds Grant funds awarded under this section to an eligible entity shall be used to— (1) facilitate the creation of programs that educate and train students from under-represented racial and gender groups to participate in the aviation workforce; (2) increase access to, and the availability of, resources at existing aviation workforce programs for the express purpose of increasing representation of racial and gender minorities, including at minority serving institutions; (3) assist students from under-represented racial and gender minorities with education, apprenticeship, internship, transportation, and certification costs; and (4) increase outreach and recruitment to students from racial and gender minorities who are interested in working in the aviation industry. (c) Requirement The Secretary shall ensure that not less than 40 percent of the total amount of funds appropriated in each fiscal year to carry out this section are awarded to minority-serving institutions. (d) Report to Congress Not later than 1 year after the first grant is awarded under the grant program under this section, and annually thereafter for as long as the Secretary is conducting such program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that evaluates such program, including— (1) a description of the number of grants awarded; (2) the amount of each grant; (3) the activities funded under each grant; and (4) the effectiveness of such funded activities in meeting the objective described in subsection (a). (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $80,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028. (f) Definitions In this section: (1) Community college The term community college junior or community college 20 U.S.C. 1058(f) (2) Eligible entity The term eligible entity (A) a minority-serving institution; and (B) a consortium of 1 or more institutions of higher education that has a partnership with 1 or more of the following entities: (i) A member of the aviation industry, such as a company or industry association. (ii) A labor-management organization. (iii) An aviation industry registered apprenticeship program. (iv) A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals gain employment in the aviation industry. (v) A community college or a postsecondary vocational institution with experience in providing relevant education or training for individuals seeking employment in the aviation industry or a similar industry. (3) Institution of higher education The term institution of higher education 20 U.S.C. 1001 (4) Minority-serving institution The term minority-serving institution 20 U.S.C. 1067q(a) (5) Postsecondary vocational institution The term postsecondary vocational institution 20 U.S.C. 1002(c) (6) Secretary The term Secretary

Summary: Aviation Minority Workforce Development Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Transportation to establish a grant program to increase racial and gender minority access and representation in the aviation workforce. Grants may be provided to minority-serving institutions (e.g., historically Black colleges and universities) and a consortium of one or more institutions of higher education that has a partnership with an aviation company or industry association, a labor-management organization, or other specified entity. The grants must be used to facilitate the creation of programs that educate and train students; increase access to, and the availability of, resources at existing aviation workforce programs; assist students with education, apprenticeship, internship, transportation, and certification costs; and increase student outreach and recruitment.