Delta State University Receives Boeing Funding for Aviation Scholarships

Courtesy of Delta State University

The Flying Okra aircraft of Delta State’s Commercial Aviation program line the ramp. Funding from The Boeing Company will establish four annual scholarships for the program, supporting those with financial need and military connections.

Delta State University has received funding from The Boeing Company to create four annual scholarships for students in the university’s Commercial Aviation program. The new support will establish two scholarship programs: the Boeing Access & Opportunity Annual Scholarship, which will provide awards to two students with demonstrated financial need, and the Boeing Military Connected & Veteran Student Annual Scholarship, which will support two military-connected students, including veterans, active reservists, National Guard members, ROTC cadets and eligible family members.

“Delta State University is grateful for Boeing’s investment in our students and in the future of aviation,” says DSU President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis. “These scholarships will help remove financial barriers for talented students pursuing careers in one of the nation’s most important industries. We are proud to partner with Boeing to create more opportunities for students to achieve their educational and professional goals.”

The scholarships come as Delta State continues to expand its aviation offerings. The university’s aviation program, established in 1981, prepares students for careers in flight operations, aviation management and other areas of the aviation industry. The Commercial Aviation program offers bachelor’s degrees in Flight Operations and Aviation Management, along with related areas of study including air traffic control, airport operations, aviation security, logistics and unmanned aerial systems.

“Flight training and aviation education require a significant investment from students, and scholarships like these can make a meaningful difference,” says Dr. Joe Childs, Dean of the College of Aviation. “We appreciate Boeing’s commitment to expanding access to aviation education and recognizing the contributions of military-connected students. This support will help us attract and retain talented students.”

“At Boeing, we believe investing in the future of aviation means empowering talented students and recognizing the invaluable contributions of those with military connections,” says Linwood Ham, Director of Boeing Global Engagement Eastern Region. “These scholarships reflect our commitment to fostering innovation and leadership in the industry by supporting Delta State University’s mission to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals.”

Delta State’s College of Aviation continues to grow through new academic and workforce-development opportunities. In August, the university dedicated a new agricultural aviation simulator and announced the establishment of the College of Aviation, which will provide additional leadership and focus for aviation education in Mississippi and the region.

Boeing’s support builds on Delta State’s existing scholarship opportunities for aviation students and strengthens the university’s efforts to make aviation education more accessible.