The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) School for Aviation Maintenance has announced a new grant available for students who have been displaced due to a sudden school closure.

The Displaced Student Assistance grant will provide $1,500 per term for qualifying students who enroll at PIA.

This equates to up to $10,500 towards tuition for one of PIA's Associate in Specialized Technology Degree programs or $6,000 toward the tuition of an Aviation Maintenance Technology Diploma/Certificate program.

Staff are available to offer guidance about career opportunities and the grant at PIA's campuses including the Pittsburgh and Youngstown campuses.

According to a press release, PIA grads are in high demand due to a nationwide shortage of aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) and one in three AMTs nearing retirement.

Nearly every graduate of PIA's June 2024 class received job offers before completing their training. Starting salaries for PIA graduates are also on the rise with new grads earning between $48,000 and $58,000 in their first industry jobs.