​​Delta, MGA partner to fuel Clayton County pilot pipeline with $2.5M grant

The Middle Georgia State University School of Aviation will receive a $2.5 million grant thanks to the Delta Air Lines Foundation, enabling more students to study to become pilots.

The funds will provide scholarships to graduates of Clayton County’s 12 public high schools who show “aptitude for aviation,” MGA said in a release. Delta considers the county to be a pipeline for future airline workers due to its proximity to Delta’s headquarters and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Students have the opportunity to earn scholarships that award up to full tuition, fees and flying instruction for the four years the student is enrolled. 

Over five years, both Delta Air Lines and the Delta foundation plan to invest a total of $16.5 million in Clayton County, where more than 3,000 people are employed by Delta, according to an announcement from Delta earlier this week. Delta has committed more than $33 million to Clayton County in charitable giving over the past six years. 

“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,” Adon Clark, dean of MGA’s School of Aviation, said. “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.” 

MGA’s School of Aviation is based on the university’s campus in Eastman, and it offers a variety of aviation-related associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, including management, science and flight.

“This investment is a huge blessing for Clayton County and it has been a pleasure to watch it come to fruition. I look forward to continuing to work with Delta and hope to bring more resources to our county through our great partnership,” Georgia Rep. Yasmin Neal (D-Jonesboro) said. 

The university also partnered with Delta on their Propel Pilot Career Path Program, which offers streamlined pilot career paths within Delta and their subsidiary, Endeavor Air. MGA also has a similar partnership with United Airlines. 

The Delta collegiate program requires participants to build their flight hours by instructing at the university where they trained. MGA is among a handful of universities in the program, which includes Auburn University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Middle Tennessee State University.

The remaining $14 million recently committed to Clayton County will go toward the Clayton County Delta Junior Achievement Discovery Center and Student Employment Center, the Flint River Boys and Girls Club, the Clayton County Chamber, Aerotropolis and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. 

“​​I commend Delta for investing in a school system poised to transform our local economy with graduates ready to work, lead and thrive,” Clayton County Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Smith said. “Our very talented and capable students just need a chance, and this partnership, along with the Junior Achievement Discovery Center, will be a game-changer for our community and beyond.”