DSU inks aviation partnership with Delta company

Delaware State University’s Aviation Program Director Capt. William “CJ” Charlton, Director of the University’s Aviation Program shakes hands with Endeavor Air Senior Talent Acquisition Representative Robyn Murphy after DSU and Endeavor Air sign a partnership agreement. | PHOTO COURTESY OF DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

DOVER — Delaware State University is soaring to new heights as its students prepare for careers in the aviation industry with the help of Endeavor Air.

The Historically Black University recently announced the partnership with the Delta Air Lines subsidiary, affording students the opportunity to take advantage of Endeavor Air’s Students to Endeavor Pilots (STEP) Program which could offer them a first-row seat to careers after college.

“This year, in addition to Delaware State University, Endeavor is launching our STEP program at two other HBCUs – these schools will be the second, third and fourth HBCUs to become STEP partner universities,” Endeavor Air  Vice President of Human Resources Ginny Zarras said in a press release. “At Endeavor, we believe that we must be intentional about increasing diversity and we are very excited about these new STEP partnerships and the potential there is to create a career pathway for aspiring Black pilots.”

Endeavor Air operates 124 regional gets on 700 700 daily flights to over 100 cities in the U.S. and North America. Through this partnership DSU students would also have the opportunity to advance to fly with the parent company, Delta Air Lines.

The STEP Program through Endeavor Air is now available in 23 universities, including DSU, according to officials.

The addition enhances DSU’s already robust aviation program which includes use of DSU’s 26-aircraft fleet. It also includes two flight simulators, the CR-12 Advanced Aviation Training and ATC-610/710 Flight Training Devices, which allows students to perfect their techniques in the air and on the ground. DSU also has its own flight team which competes nationally.

Graduates boast certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration including the private pilot, instrument, commercial, flight instructor, instrument instructor and multi-engine certifications.

DSU also has two other professional partnerships; one with Piedmont Airlines and another with Alaska Airlines True North Pilot Development Program, both of which offer qualifying graduates of DSU’s Professional Pilot Program a guaranteed interview for future employment following graduation. 

Students enrolled in the True North Program are offered guaranteed first officer positions at the regional operation, Horizon Air, and a pathway to employment at parent company Alaska Airlines.

The newly announced agreement with Endeavor Air will offer a similar programming structure, giving students who have completed the required number of flight hours priority interviews with Endeavor on site at the university while students finish undergraduate requirements.

“This partnership [Endeavor] is yet another jewel in the crown of the Aviation Program at DSU,” DSU Aviation Program Director Capt. William Charlton said in a press release. “Though the focus today was on the pilots, Endeavor will capitalize on this partnership to recruit talent above and below the wing, as well as in various other career destinations at their company.”