DOVER, Del.- Delaware State University boasts one of the largest aviation programs among all HBCUs. Now, its students will have a first class ticket to a career with United Airlines.
DSU President Tony Allen signed a formal agreement with United Thursday morning.
"More pilots of color come from Delaware State than any other place in the country," he said.
This agreement opens doors for students to enter the 'United Aviate' career development program, charting a clear path to becoming professional United pilots.
DSU’s Aviation Program Professional Pilot students who meet the eligibility requirements can apply to Aviate, and upon acceptance, receive a conditional job offer as a United First Officer.
To be eligible, DSU Aviation professional pilot students must have completed at least two semesters of full-time coursework or graduated with an R-ATP eligible aviation major at DSU, be in good standing at DSU, possess a Private Pilots Certificate, FAA medical certificate, and have no more than three primary training failures.
"We have kids coming out of the woodwork for this," said DSU's Aviation Director Michael Hales.
Hales explained how the partnership will allow the university to be more selective.
"We won't have to do a whole lot of recruiting of course and we can actually vet and choose who should be here, who really wants this as a career and has aspirational goals."
President Allen said the partnership has been years in the making.
"[DSU and United] dated for a couple of years and that proved to be meritorious," he joked.
Aviation majors such as Eliana Rothwell said they are already reaping the benefits, with a foot in the cockpit months ahead of graduation.
"Lots of times people have to worry about getting an interview option at all," Rothwell said. "To know that I not only got the interview but passed the interview is exciting."
Students' path to becoming a United Pilot begins at Delaware Airpark, where DSU maintains a fleet o 26 airplanes and does all of its flight training courses.
The United partnership is not only meant to help up and coming pilots though. It will also provide aviation management and business opportunities for university students.
DSU's Aviation Program hosts 110 Professional Pilot students, 47 Aviation Management majors, and has recently launched a new Helicopter Flight Training Program with six students in its inaugural semester.