WIOA Program Helps SGTC Aviation Students Soar Toward Their Careers

Two South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) aviation maintenance students are crediting the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program with helping them pursue their education and future careers in aviation.

Maiyah Willis and Patricia Rice of Americus are both enrolled in SGTC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program and are active participants in the WIOA program, which provides financial assistance and support services to eligible students in high-demand career fields.

Willis, a single mother who began the program in summer 2023, said she learned about WIOA from her instructor and quickly applied. “It’s done a lot for me,” she said. “Even though the assistance might seem small to some people, it’s been a huge help—whether it’s diapers, gas, or just easing the pressure of everyday expenses while going to school.”

Willis is working toward a career in aviation maintenance, with plans to start at Robins Air Force Base and eventually relocate for work. “I want to go where the opportunity is—Pratt & Whitney in Florida is on my radar,” she said.

Rice, who joined the program in January 2024, also discovered WIOA through her instructors, one of whom is a former WIOA participant himself. She said the support has made a significant impact, especially given the demanding schedule of the aviation program.

“It’s really hard to work full time while doing this program,” Rice explained. “WIOA helped me with gas, tools, and even paid for my airframe license testing—which would have been about $1,500 out of pocket. Without that, I probably wouldn’t have been able to take the test.”

Rice brings a strong aviation background to her training. She previously worked for American Airlines and comes from a family of aviation professionals. “My dad is an A&P mechanic, my brother’s a pilot, my mom’s a flight attendant, and my uncle, Sam Singletary, taught powerplant courses here at SGTC before he passed in 2014,” she said.

After completing the program, Rice hopes to return to the commercial airline industry, ideally with Delta or American Airlines. “I want to work on turbines. I want to work on the big stuff.”

Both students emphasized how instrumental WIOA has been in allowing them to focus on school and career goals without the burden of financial stress. “Just knowing we have help with testing and tools takes a huge weight off,” said Willis.

WIOA is a federally-funded program designed to assist qualified students with training-related costs such as tuition, books, and supplies while enrolled at SGTC. The primary goal of WIOA is to train qualified students to become employed and self-sufficient. The River Valley Regional Commission (RVRC) and the WIOA board make the federal funds available to SGTC.

To learn more about the WIOA program at South Georgia Technical College, call (229) 931-2172 or visit www.southgatech.edu.