Pierpont Community and Technical College holds scholarship awards ceremony

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) — Pierpont Community and Technical College (C&TC) showed appreciation to its students on Wednesday with a scholarship awards ceremony at the Robert C. Byrd Aerospace Education Center.

Twenty two students were awarded scholarships during this event, which were provided by Pierpont C&TC alumni and different industry professionals.

According to Director of Aviation Technology Dr. Brad Gilbert, the scholarships varied in amounts, ranging from $500 to $1,000. “Also, we give out scholarships for their FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] oral and practical examinations, which amount to $750,” he added.

In order to qualify for these awards, freshman students had to be registered to take their FAA general test. However, sophomore students were required to have successfully completed the general test in order to be eligible for a scholarship.

“These awards go a long way to help the students,” said Gilbert. “They go through 22 months of school, you know they’re working part-time. Some of them are working full-time, and being able to come up with $1,000 at the end of that time period to do their certification exams can be very difficult.”

“So we’re very grateful to the people that help provide these scholarships and…help the students begin their careers at the industry here at the aviation area,” he added.

Gilbert said that this scholarship awards ceremony is an annual event that has grown over time and that the number of benefactors has increased over the years, so the pool of funds has continued to grow.

However, Gilbert said that Pierpont C&TC is “more than willing” to accept any additional funds to support future students.

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