Dual enrollment aviation program for Clayton County students takes flight with the help of Delta’s Propel Program and Middle Georgia State University

_{Caleb Gonzales, an Air Force JROTC Cadet Lt. Colonel and aviation program dual enrollment student, addresses his fellow dual enrollment scholars at an event at Morrow High School in Ellenwood, Georgia.} 

Delta’s industry-leading Propel Career Path Program and Middle Georgia State University, alongside Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS), have launched a dual enrollment aviation program for CCPS students aspiring to be the next generation of Delta pilots. CCPS high school students who enroll in the dual program and attend Middle Georgia State become eligible to apply to Propel, which offers a direct path to the Delta flight deck. Middle Georgia State is one of 34 universities across the country that take part in Propel.  

“Middle Georgia State University is proud to partner with Clayton County Public Schools and Delta to open a clear, affordable pathway to the flight deck,” said Adon Clarke, Dean of the School of Aviation at Middle Georgia State University. “This is workforce development in action and a purpose-driven runway to aviation careers for Clayton County students.”  

The dual enrollment program officially kicked off last fall and currently has more than 70 CCPS students enrolled. Students accepted into Propel experience a streamlined path to an aviation career with mentorship from Delta pilots throughout their journey. Those who successfully complete the program are given a qualified job offer with Delta, and Delta’s wholly owned subsidiary, Endeavor Air. 

“Since launching last fall, this dual enrollment pathway has been a game-changer for our students,” said CCPS Superintendent Dr. Anthony W. Smith. “More than 70 of our high school students are already earning college credit with Middle Georgia State while learning from Delta pilot mentors and charting a direct route to high-demand aviation careers. This partnership is an exceptional example of our ‘No Dead Ends’ aspiration – all pathways lead to success.”  

Additionally, eligible CCPS students will have an opportunity to apply for a Delta scholarship to Middle Georgia State, the first of which will be announced this spring. The scholarships will award up to full tuition, fees and flying instruction for the four years the student is enrolled and is made possible from a $2.5 million grant from The Delta Air Lines Foundation. The grant is a portion of the $16.5 million in charitable support Delta and its foundation are investing in Clayton County over the next several years.  

“The students of Clayton County play a vital role in the future of Delta and our industry,” said Tad Hutcheson, Senior Vice President of The Delta Air Lines Foundation. “The scholarships provided by The Delta Air Lines Foundation build on our commitment to Clayton County, provides a pathway for students and underscores our Foundation’s long-term focus on education, equity and opportunity.” 

The Delta Air Lines Foundation and Delta have committed more than $33 million to Clayton County in charitable giving over the past six years. 

“We’re committed to supporting the next generation of aviators, and this newly formed program creates a powerful resource for these students,” said Eric Hendrick, Director of Pilot Outreach at Delta. “With more than 1,100 active participants in Propel and 222 program graduates now flying at Delta, we are connecting Clayton County students to a clear and proven path to the flight deck.” 

The Delta Air Lines Foundation is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1968 to enhance Delta’s charitable giving. The Foundation is focused on the key areas of environment, equity, education, and entire wellness. In the past decade, the Foundation has awarded more than $150 million in grants to nonprofit organizations across the United States.