DOVER — Delaware State University students in the Department of Aviation now have a new career option as the result of an agreement between the University and Endeavor Air.

The signed agreement makes Delaware State University a partner institution in Endeavor Air’s STEP (Students To Endeavor Pilots) Program and provides a path for the University’s Aviation/Professional Pilot graduates to land in a First Officer’s seat in the cockpit of an Endeavor Air aircraft.

Through the agreement, Delaware State University professional pilot students can join the STEP Program while they are completing their aviation undergraduate requirements at Delaware State University.

When they have logged the required number of flight hours, students and graduates will receive a priority interview with Endeavor, on-site at Delaware State University.

If hired, they can begin their aviation career with Endeavor Air, which operates 124 regional jets on 700 daily flights to over 100 cities in the U.S and North America.

Because Endeavor Air is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, pilots who fly for Endeavor could eventually fly for that major airline. Endeavor is the only airline with a contractually guaranteed career pathway to Delta Air Lines for pilots.

Ginny Zarras, vice president of Human Resources at Endeavor Air, said regional airline and Delta Airlines are proud to partner with Delaware State University to encourage and inspire its students to follow their dreams to a career in aviation.

“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,” Ms. Zarras said.

“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.”

Delaware State University is one of 23 universities partners in Endeavor Air’s STEP Program.

Capt. William “C.J.” Charlton, director of the Delaware State University Aviation Program, said the University is proud to be a part of the Endeavor Air family.

“This partnership [Endeavor] is yet another jewel in the crown of the Aviation Program at DSU,” said Capt. Charlton. “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.”