Hampton University Teams Up With Delta to Deliver Training Program for Black Aspiring Pilots
While Black Americans have no doubt made their mark in American flight history thanks to the Tuskegee Airmen and others, there are very few Black pilots in America. According to Zippia, only 1.2% of pilots are Black or African American, with 89.4% White. Pilots are in particularly high demand right now; thus, there’s a need to encourage high school and college students to consider this profession as a possible career path. Hampton University students interested in becoming a pilot may be eligible for a new training program hosted by the school and Delta Airlines.
Delta added Hampton University to its Propel Collegiate Pilot Career Path Program in February. As of March 2022, Hampton is the only HBCU in the program.
Delta founded the Propel Collegiate Career Path Program in 2018 to train the next generation of pilots. This program is vital given that there is a pilot shortage expected to emerge in the coming years. With many of existing pilots aging out of the workforce, it has been reported that by 2025 there could be a shortage of at least 34,000 pilots. If there aren’t any replacements ready to take over for retirees and workers changing their career directions, the travel industry could be severely impacted.
Hampton’s aviation program is known to build corporate partnerships that support student’s professional development and enhance their employment and mentorship opportunities. In an article from Black Engineer, John P. Murray, Chair of the Hampton University Department of Aviation, shares how the program supports students so that they graduate prepared to begin careers in the aviation industry, “Our recent aviation graduates have earned positions at many international airports, major aeronautical companies, and many are continuing their pursuit to become commercial airline pilots by teaching as certified flight instructors before moving on to commercial aviation. One recent graduate is with Rick Aviation, our Flight Education partner and flight school. Faculty and students have worked hard over the last two years to create professional relationships through internships and mentorships with Aviation Advisory Board members.”
Students who complete the Propel Collegiate Career Path Program, which lasts 42 months, will receive a Qualified Job Offer (QJO), which “offers a defined path and an accelerated timeline to become a Delta pilot.” Students can choose to work for Delta Connection Carriers (Republic Airways, Endeavor Air, and SkyWest Airlines) or the Air National Guard or Reserves.
“Adding Hampton University as a Delta Airlines Propel partner evokes a myriad of thoughts and emotions,” says First Officer Monique Grayson, an interviewer for the Propel program. ”Delta says connecting the world requires that we first respect the world through seeking diversity, promoting inclusion, creating equity, and driving accountability towards these goals. Considering the history of HBCUs and that of Delta, I am proud to see the company doing just that” (via Delta News Hub).
To find out more information about the Propel Collegiate Career Path Program, visit their website here.