ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Krishnamoorthi backs new Aviation Lab at Harper College
The new facility at Schaumburg Regional Airport is expected to expand workforce training and support the region’s aviation sector.
-
1759953093.png)
Staff Reporter - Wed, 28, Jan 2026
- 15:20 EST
- 14
US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi / X/@CongressmanRaja
Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Jan. 26 joined local and college officials at the opening of Harper College’s Aviation Maintenance Lab at Schaumburg Regional Airport.
The project was supported by $500,000 in federal funding that Krishnamoorthi secured in 2022 through the congressional appropriations process. The funding was used for instructional equipment, curriculum development, and scholarship and grant opportunities linked to the new facility.
Also Read: Rep. Krishnamoorthi leads demand to release frozen EFSP funds
The lab is aimed at expanding the college’s aviation training programs and providing hands-on instruction for students pursuing careers in aviation maintenance and related fields.
“Aviation across the greater Chicago area is critical to continuing to grow our local, state, and national economies,” Krishnamoorthi said. He said the lab would help fill in-demand jobs while giving students practical experience needed to enter the field.
“Career and technical education is the key to reaching the middle class for the majority of Americans who don’t have four-year college degrees,” he added.
The lab is housed in redeveloped hangar space at Schaumburg Regional Airport and forms part of Harper College’s broader aviation education offerings, including programs in aviation management.
Krishnamoorthi was joined at the inauguration by Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly, Harper College president Avis Proctor and Harper College Trustee William Kelley.
The opening comes amid a nationwide shortage of skilled aviation workers. Industry projections estimate that over the next two decades, North America will need 119,000 new pilots, 123,000 new technicians and 193,000 new cabin crew members to meet growing demand.
Harper College officials said the facility is expected to strengthen the local and regional economy, particularly given its proximity to major hubs such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login