UVALDE, TX -

    Southwest Texas Junior College officials attended a luncheon at Laughlin Air Force Base on May 7, where SWTJC President, Dr. Hector Gonzales signed a Memorandum of Understanding which has partnered SWTJC with the 47th Flying Training Wing (47 FTW) and San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated School District to participate in the Grow Your Own Program (GYOP).
    “Laughlin Air Force Base has had difficulties in filling aircraft maintenance positions at the 47 FTW,” said Johnny Guzman, dean of the college of applied sciences. “Our task now is to create a pool of qualified individuals from which the 47 FTW can potentially hire from.
    ”The GYOP focuses on three objectives; to develop a pool of individuals with a higher level of training and experience in aviation maintenance. Second, individuals will have an opportunity to receive a postsecondary certificate in aviation maintenance. Third, Del Rio High School students will be exposed to the field of aviation maintenance along with earning college credit.
    Each party involved will have a different role in the implementation of the GYOP. SWTJC responsibilities include providing all resources used for instructing courses including printed course materials and any technology requirements.
    The 47 FTW will provide two rooms on the base to be used as classroom/meeting rooms. SWTJC will also have access to the aircraft maintenance laboratory, which includes tools, an operational aircraft and aircraft support equipment.