Minorities in Aviation Education Act of 2023

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a grant program to improve the preparation and representation of certain students in aviation-related fields, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Minorities in Aviation Education Act of 2023 2. Bessie Coleman Aviation Education Program (a) In general The Secretary of Transportation shall establish the Bessie Coleman Aviation Education Program to provide grants to eligible entities to improve the preparation and representation of students, particularly women and minorities, in aviation-related fields. (b) Authorized activities A grant awarded under this section may only be used for activities that increase exposure and access to aviation-related education and jobs through such means as— (1) internships, apprenticeships, or scholarships that offer students experience in the aviation industry; (2) programs that introduce students to unmanned aircraft systems (as the term is defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code); (3) career exploration and educational programs that teach technical skills used in aviation maintenance, or to improve existing such programs; and (4) programs to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities in postsecondary aviation degree programs. (c) Application and review procedures (1) In general An eligible entity seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a description of how grant funds will be used to increase exposure and access to aviation-related education and jobs. (2) Priority In reviewing and selecting applications for grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to applicants that propose to use grant funds to encourage the participation of women, minorities, and individuals in rural and urban areas in the aviation industry. (3) Partnership with other entities An eligible entity may enter into a partnership agreement with an institution of higher education, a nonprofit organization, or another entity, to carry out activities with a grant awarded under this section. (d) Grant amount The maximum amount of a grant awarded under this section in a fiscal year shall be $500,000. (e) Definitions In this subsection: (1) Eligible entity The term eligible entity (A) a local educational agency; (B) a State educational agency; and (C) a State or local government. (2) Institution of higher education The term institution of higher education 20 U.S.C. 1001 (3) Local educational agency The term local educational agency 20 U.S.C. 7801 (4) State educational agency The term State educational agency 20 U.S.C. 7801 (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027.

Summary: Minorities in Aviation Education Act of 2023 This bill establishes grants for increasing the exposure and access of students to the aviation industry, with a particular focus on women and minorities. Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must establish the Bessie Coleman Aviation Education Program to award the grants to state and local governments or educational agencies for activities that increase exposure and access to aviation-related education and jobs, such as programs to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities in aviation degree programs. DOT must prioritize grant applicants that propose to use the funds to encourage the participation of women, minorities, and individuals in rural and urban areas in the aviation industry.