Colorado Aeronautical Board Approves $442,422 in Aviation Education and Workforce Development Grants
Watkins – The Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics is pleased to announce that the Colorado Aeronautical Board (CAB) has officially approved $442,422 in grant funding to support 15 organizations through the FY2026 Aviation Education and Workforce Development Grant Program.
These grants are designed to support organizations that focus on aviation education and help develop the essential talent pipeline required to support future aviation system needs within the State of Colorado. This year’s funding aligns with the goals set by the Division’s Strategic Plan, which emphasizes enhancing statewide initiatives that provide value to Colorado's airports and aviation stakeholders.
The program saw significant interest this year, with 21 applicants requesting a total of $939,795.58. To remain within the approved budget, Division staff worked closely with applicants to refine project scopes and focus on key initiatives.
The final approved awards support a diverse range of aviation education and workforce development programs, from high school ground schools and drone soccer programs to advanced flight simulators and aircraft maintenance technician training.
While the Colorado Division of Aeronautics is providing $442,422 in funding, the total impact of these projects is matched by local contributions, bringing the total investment in Colorado’s aviation future to $564,561 for the 2026 grant cycle.
A comprehensive listing of all Aviation Education and Workforce Development Grants can be found here.
Colorado legislation was created in 1991 to develop and maintain the Colorado Aviation System through taxes collected on aviation fuel sold within the state. There are no general funds used to meet the needs within the Colorado Aviation System. The Colorado Aviation System is funded solely through the taxes collected by those actually using the aviation system.
The Colorado Airport System consists of 76 public-use airports that support over 348,500 jobs, provide $23.5 billion in annual payroll, $40.3 billion in value-added, and $68.9 billion in total annual business revenue for the State of Colorado.
More information can be found at Colorado-Aeronautics.org.
About the Division of Aeronautics
Under the Direction of the Colorado Aeronautical Board, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics supports Colorado's multi-modal transportation system by advancing a safe, efficient, and effective statewide aviation system through collaboration, investment and advocacy. In partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, 76 public-use airports and a diverse group of aviation system users, the Division also works to promote aviation safety and education through the efficient administration of the Colorado Aviation Fund. For more information, visit Colorado-Aeronautics.org or check us out on YouTube, like us on Facebook and follow us on X and Instagram.
