South Seattle College introduced the public on Monday to a remarkable piece of equipment that Boeing has donated to the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program. It's a a Pratt & Whitney 777 engine, that was damaged in transport and not able to be used on an aircraft. It's value, as part of an educational program, makes the aircraft maintenance program at SSC among the elite in the nation. Every year the program graduates between 60 to 80 students.

“As the only school in the state with a 777 engine, we are able to provide on the job training in our classroom,” Aviation Dean Kim Alexander explained. “We wouldn’t be able to prepare our students for the real world without such strong support from partners like Boeing.”

This is first new engine that Boeing has ever donated to a college. In total, South’s AMT program has 13 aircrafts and 70 engines to provide students with a hands-on learning experience in the classroom. The 777 engine is the largest in the fleet.

“Boeing is proud to help inspire tomorrow’s aviation professionals through the donation of this engine,” said Rob Thayer, director of manufacturing and quality in the Propulsion Systems division at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We hope our support for educational programs and other initiatives encourages people to explore technical careers that are rewarding for them and contribute to innovation that improves life for everyone.”