DSU’s aviation program receives additional funding, aims to tackle pilot shortage

DOVER, Del. – In Delaware, the first’s states only HBCU’s aviation program is getting some extra funding with the hopes of getting more students in the air.

Delaware State University received $30,000 from Republic Airways based in Indianapolis, Indiana to support the university’s aviation program.

Funds will be used to buy new simulators, help with fees and classroom materials for students, and training for department staff.

The Aviation program director tell 47ABC, there’s currently a nationwide shortage of pilots and says moves like this help with recruitment.  “When you can say to a student you’re going to get hired. 100% of our graduates get hired within 12 months. That in itself is a powerful recruiting tool,” Aviation Director Lt. Michael Hales said. “It’s like a buyers market as far as students and its fantastic. We know that we’re changing socioeconomic status of not only the student graduate but their families as well.”

As a thanks for the donation, the university will also rename one of the programs spaces in honor of the airline.

More than a dozen DSU graduates are currently pilots at Republic Airways.