Boeing confirms major project in the works with this Fresno County community college

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Reedley College is poised to announce a partnership with the world’s largest aerospace company to research and develop all-electric aircraft.

“We are thrilled to partner with Reedley College, deploying gaming simulators in schools,” a spokesperson for Boeing told The Bee in an email. “Together, with communities like Reedley, we can inspire the next generation of student pilots and connect these talented students with great career paths.”

Reedley College President Jerry Buckley also confirmed the partnership with Boeing and the college’s aviation program to The Bee during a recent editorial board meeting.

Exactly what the program will look like wasn’t immediately clear.

Officials at Reedley College on Friday did not provide much detail on the development but described the partnership as exciting.

David Clark, dean of instruction at Reedley College, said Boeing pledged to help the college recruit more students for their flight and aviation maintenance programs because pilots and airplane mechanics are in need. Boeing is also brainstorming ways to help students pay for the program, he said. It costs $60,000 to get a pilot’s license at Reedley College.

The City of Reedley and City of Mendota each have two all-electric aircraft, Clark said, and Boeing is helping the college promote the idea of all-electric aircraft. Boeing has also started going to elementary schools in the area to introduce kids to these career pathways.

Reedley College currently offers an Aviation Maintenance Technology program where students can learn how to repair and service aircraft systems and earn certifications to work on airplanes.

“Reedley College is an FAA-approved school and has offered Aviation Maintenance Technician courses for more than 50 years,” according to its website.

Students can also earn an associate’s degree in Flight Science to become commercial airplane pilots and flight instructors.

This story was originally published January 31, 2020 at 3:44 PM.