Antelope Valley College has been awarded a $1.19 million ASCEND grant to expand aerospace training capacity and prepare students for careers in the region’s aerospace industry.
ASCEND: Aerospace Skills, Credentials, & Expansion for National Defense will support four aerospace certificate programs through additional personnel, updated equipment and instructional space at Fox Field. The five-year project aims to increase annual enrollment across those programs from approximately 250 students to more than 430 by its fourth year.
“The ASCEND Aerospace Grant will enable Antelope Valley College to expand programming in a vital local workforce space,” said AVC President/Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Zellet. “Not only does this expansion support growth in the Aerospace Industry, but it also increases the opportunities we are able to offer our community to acquire good jobs with the possibility of upward mobility. I'm grateful to our Faculty, Classified Professionals, and Administrators whose vision brought about this proposal that so vitally meets student, community, and Industry needs.”
The proposal includes approximately $240,600 for equipment supporting Aircraft Fabrication and Aerospace Non-Destructive Inspection training, along with $325,000 for a 40-by-60-foot modular instructional facility at Fox Field. Additional funding would support personnel, instructional supplies and the facility lease.
The project also proposes curriculum updates intended to help two participating certificate programs meet Workforce Pell eligibility requirements. That work could expand access to federal financial aid for eligible students pursuing aerospace training.
ASCEND's proposed goals extend beyond enrollment growth. The project targets a credential completion rate of at least 85% and employment in the field for at least 80% of program completers within six months. It also aims for at least 85% of graduates employed in their field to earn at or above the identified Los Angeles County living wage.
The proposed five-year project period runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2031.
