Harper College opens new federally funded aviation maintenance lab at Schaumburg Airport

Harper College has opened the new Harper Aviation Maintenance Lab at Schaumburg Regional Airport to provide students greater access to affordable education and hands-on training for aviation careers.

With the assistance of $500,000 in federal funding secured in 2022, this expansion of the college’s aviation program provides instructional equipment, curriculum development, scholarships and grant opportunities.

The aviation industry is facing a nationwide shortage of skilled professionals, supporters of the project say. Over the next 20 years, North America will need 119,000 new pilots, 123,000 new technicians and 193,000 new cabin crew members to meet the growing demand.

Harper College’s aviation management and maintenance programs are expected to bolster the local and regional economies, especially with its proximity to the major commercial and cargo hubs of O’Hare and Midway airports in Chicago.