Middle Georgia State University’s School of Aviation is in line to receive $2.5 million in Delta Air Lines Foundation grants to provide scholarships to Clayton County students who dream of becoming pilots.    

The grants are part of a $16.5 million package of charitable giving that Delta Air Lines and the Delta Air Lines Foundation plan to invest in Clayton County, Ga., over a five-year period. Clayton County is considered a vital pipeline for the airline’s future workforce, partly due to its location near Delta’s headquarters and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport.  

Middle Georgia State’s (MGA’s) School of Aviation will use the grant money to provide scholarships to graduates of Clayton County’s 12 public high schools who show aptitude for aviation. Students who meet MGA’s admissions requirements will have the opportunity to apply for competitive scholarships that award up to full tuition, fees, and flying instruction for the four years they are enrolled.   

“This generous investment from the Delta Air Lines Foundation could very well be a game changer for Clayton County students who are passionate about aviation,” said Dr. Christopher Blake, Middle Georgia State’s (MGA’s) president. “We are committed to expanding opportunities in aviation education, and these scholarships will build a pipeline from education to lifetime career employment. We are grateful to Delta for their partnership and shared vision in developing the next generation of aviation professionals.” 

Middle Georgia State is home to Georgia’s flagship School of Aviation, which is based on the University’s Eastman Campus. MGA offers a bachelor’s degree in aviation science and management with tracks in flight and management, as well as an applied bachelor’s degree in technical management and various associate’s degrees related to aviation.  

In addition, MGA is one of nearly a dozen universities across the country that are part of Delta’s industry leading Propel Pilot Career Path Program, which offers students a streamlined path to the flight deck with mentorship from Delta’s pilots every step of the way. Students who successfully complete the program are given a Qualified Job Offer with Delta, and Delta’s wholly owned subsidiary, Endeavor Air. 

“The aviation industry depends on a strong pipeline of well-trained professionals, and this significant support from the Delta Air Lines Foundation will help us prepare Clayton County students for successful careers as aviation professionals,” said Adon Clark, dean of MGA’s School of Aviation. “As Georgia’s flagship School of Aviation that offers FAA-certified programs, MGA is proud to work alongside Delta to equip aspiring aviation professionals with the education, training, and mentorship needed to thrive in this dynamic field.”