Honoring family, inspiring futures: Delta TechOps employee’s gift opens doors for aspiring A&P technicians

After losing his mother, a proud Delta retiree, Kevin Cowart found a powerful way to keep her spirit alive. In her honor — and in the true TechOps tradition of giving back — he created the Kevin Howell Cowart Aviation Maintenance Career Endowment. Using his inheritance from his mother, he funded financial support to students enrolled in Middle Georgia State University’s (MGA) Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) program, helping the next generation of maintenance technicians take flight.

This endowment is designed to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing FAA-certified A&P training, especially those demonstrating a strong work ethic, leadership potential and a passion for aviation safety and excellence. Through his generosity, Kevin is shaping the future of aviation maintenance by investing in education and creating opportunities for the next generation of skilled technicians.

“I wanted to make a difference now — while I can see the impact,” Cowart said. “Supporting education strengthens the entire aviation community we all depend on.”

With more than 32 years of experience in aviation maintenance, including 28 years of global assignments and leadership roles at Delta TechOps, Kevin created this endowment to give back to the industry that shaped his highly rewarding career. His own aviation journey began as an avionics technician in the U.S. Marine Corps, later earning his A&P certification while working at Delta TechOps — a milestone that opened new opportunities.

“I plan to donate a percentage of my estate to grow this endowment and ensure its long-term impact,” Cowart shared. “Seeing students launch their careers and knowing this helps strengthen the aviation workforce is incredibly rewarding.”

Why Middle Georgia State University?

MGA is a strong partner of Delta TechOps and widely recognized for producing highly skilled aviation maintenance professionals.  Delta TechOps Training leaders Bill Smith, Erica Akins, and April Gregg collaborated with Cowart to identify MGA as the ideal partner for this initiative, citing its strong curriculum and commitment to workforce development in Georgia’s aviation sector.

Cowart expressed gratitude to Delta colleagues and MGA leaders, Adon Clark, Martin Kehayes and Barbara Gibbons for their instrumental roles in making this endowment possible.

Kevin Howell Cowart Aviation Maintenance Career Endowment details

• Initial Gift: $25,000 in stock transferred to the MGA Foundation
• Scholarship Focus: Students enrolled in A&P courses
• Selection Criteria: Academic performance, financial need and commitment to aviation maintenance
• Long-Term Goal: Grow the endowment to expand scholarship opportunities and fund advanced training programs
• The Delta Foundation matched $5,000 to the endowment and will match donations of up to $5,000 annually.

The importance of A&P certification

The FAA Airframe & Powerplant certification is one of the most respected credentials in aviation maintenance. It requires mastery of disciplines such as:

• Aircraft Structures & Sheet Metal: Precision fabrication and repair
• Hydraulics & Pneumatics: Flight control and landing gear systems
• Electrical & Avionics: Wiring, troubleshooting and system integration
• Powerplants: Piston and turbine engine maintenance
• Regulatory Compliance & Safety: FAA standards and best practices

This rigorous training ensures graduates uphold the highest standards of safety and reliability in commercial and military aviation.

Looking ahead

Cowart is working with MGA’s Foundation team and Delta TechOps Training to raise awareness of the scholarship and encourage other aviation professionals to consider similar contributions. His vision: a stronger, more resilient aviation industry built on education and opportunity.

The Delta Air Lines Foundation’s Matching Gifts to Education Program empowers Delta employees, retirees, and Board members to double their impact on education. Donations to accredited educational institutions (pre-K through post-graduate) are matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000 per person per calendar year. This program strengthens Delta’s commitment to the communities where we live, work, and serve.