The Middle Georgia State University Foundation has awarded the first scholarships made possible through funding from The Delta Air Lines Foundation, supporting Clayton County Public Schools high school graduates as they begin pursuing aviation careers.

Five students attending Middle Georgia State’s (MGA’s) School of Aviation received the inaugural awards. The scholarships are part of a larger $2.5 million commitment from The Delta Air Lines Foundation to MGA announced last year. The funding is designed to help build a pipeline for Clayton County students interested in careers as pilots and aviation professionals.

“The students of Clayton County play a vital role in the future of Delta and the aviation industry, and we are proud to support Middle Georgia State University to help these students aviation careers takeoff,” said Tad Hutcheson, senior vice president of The Delta Air Lines Foundation. “These 2026 scholarships build on our commitment to Clayton County providing a pathway for students and underscoring our long-term focus on education, equity and opportunity.”

The first recipients of the scholarships and their majors are:

• Brandon Jimenez, graduate of Morrow High School – Flight
• Terry Wise, graduate of Forest Park High School – Flight
• Jonah Slade, graduate of Morrow High School – Flight
• Neela Sneed, graduate of Morrow High School – Flight
• Michael Koffron, graduate of North Clayton High School – Aviation Management

All five graduated from Clayton County Public Schools. These needs-based scholarships provide support for tuition, fees, and flight training expenses for eligible students pursuing degrees in aviation.

“These students represent the future of the aviation industry, and we are excited to welcome them,” said Adon Clark, dean of MGA’s School of Aviation. “Through this funding from The Delta Air Lines Foundation, we are able to help remove financial barriers and create opportunities for talented students who are passionate about aviation careers. We look forward to seeing these scholarship recipients grow as aviation professionals and future industry leaders.”

The scholarships are funded through a grant that is part of a broader $16.5 million investment by Delta Air Lines and The Delta Air Lines Foundation in Clayton County initiatives over five years to support education and workforce development in the aviation industry.

The MGA School of Aviation, Georgia’s flagship aviation school, is based on the University’s Eastman Campus. The school offers bachelor’s degrees in aviation science and management with tracks in flight and management, as well as programs in air traffic management and aviation maintenance and technology. In addition, high school students can begin their aviation journey early by enrolling in a range of courses through the dual enrollment program, allowing them to earn both high school and college credit that can be applied toward a degree. MGA also participates in Delta’s Propel Pilot Career Path Program, which provides students with mentorship and a pathway toward careers with Delta Air Lines and Endeavor Air.