As part of a $1 million investment in Alabama’s workforce development efforts, the GE Aerospace Foundation has selected Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) as a partner in its flagship Lifting Futures program, aimed at preparing skilled workers for high-demand industries in the Auburn – Montgomery area.
The initial investment will support three local partners, SUSCC, the Industrial Development Board of the City of Auburn and Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, during 2027 to increase career awareness, prepare entry-level workers, improve program completion, and strengthen regional coordination. The investment is in support of the program’s overall goal to train 10,000 workers across multiple communities for the aerospace industry by 2030.
“Alabama’s role in aerospace and defense manufacturing makes having a skilled workforce critical to our country. Lifting Futures will help more people get the training they need to build a career in this industry,” said Christian Meisner, Chief Human Resources Officer at GE Aerospace and Chair of the GE Aerospace Foundation.
The investment reflects input from community meetings held this summer with more than a dozen organizations representing educators, civic leaders, and industry representatives along the region’s I-85 manufacturing corridor. Those meetings found that while the region has one of the strongest manufacturing industries it faces limited awareness of career opportunities, lower training completion rates, and a desire for greater coordination between organizations. First-year grants will benefit more than 400 people by:
The investment includes creating a free bootcamp at Southern Union State Community College to prepare students for entry-level jobs in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. The program will also procure new equipment.
“I am very excited to see the GE Aerospace Foundation has selected partners in Auburn and Montgomery for its Lifting Futures program,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. “The aerospace industry is growing in Alabama, and a trained workforce is key to maintaining this rapid growth. This program will utilize local partners to boost our state’s workforce and ensure Alabama is prepared for future growth.”
“This grant will be a game changer for our programs and will have a lasting impact on our communities by helping develop a stronger workforce for the future,” said Todd Shackett, president of Southern Union State Community College.
In addition to Lifting Futures, GE Aerospace and its Foundation have supported more than 20 workforce programs that have helped nearly 10,000 individuals since becoming a standalone company in 2024.
Learn more about the GE Aerospace Foundation’s Lifting Futures program at liftingfutures.org.
With campuses in Wadley, Opelika, and Valley, Southern Union State Community College is the second-oldest two-year college in Alabama and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges & Universities to award associate degrees.
For more information about Southern Union State Community College, visit www.suscc.edu.
