The Delta Air Lines Foundation Issues $25,000 Grant to PIA to Help Prepare Future Aviation Professionals

The Delta Air Lines Foundation is continuing to prepare and support the future of aviation professionals with a grant totaling $25,000 to Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics.

The grant will allow the programs to enhance their curriculum development, projects and material support, increasing students’ awareness, knowledge and skills of Avionics/Electrical and Composite Structures.

“Delta and The Delta Air Lines Foundation are committed to investing in the future of aviation professionals in the local communities where we live, work and serve,” said Tad Hutcheson, Senior Vice President of The Delta Air Lines Foundation. “Knowledge of avionics, electrical systems and composite construction is critical in the aviation industry, and this grant will help better prepare students for their future careers.” 

PIA is one of nine which were chosen based on a variety of factors such as student population and promotion of diversity and inclusion.

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 education and health and wellness.  

The Foundation’s grants complement Delta’s efforts to give back to communities worldwide. As part of its annual giving, Delta is committed to invest one percent of its net income into communities across the globe. Delta’s giving is guided by its key pillars of education, global health and wellness, and supporting armed service members and veterans. 

As part of its commitment to educate future aviation professionals, Delta has partnerships with more than 47 Maintenance Training programs across the U.S. to help identify, mentor and source the next generation of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians or AMTs. Through the partnerships, Delta offers tours, job shadows and career guidance for the schools as well as training opportunities for instructors. Where possible, Delta also donates serviceable parts, engines and airframes to give students even more real-world maintenance experience working with jet aircraft components. These partnerships complement the airline’s recruiting structure of working with the U.S. military and regional airlines. 

In 2017, Delta and The Delta Air Lines Foundation contributed more than $45 million into worldwide communities. 

ABOUT PITTSBURGH INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS 

The school was opened by Glenn Curtiss and Orville Wright in 1927 as Curtiss-Wright Flying Service, and became PIA in 1929. Today, PIA is a non-profit, career-focused family of schools offering programs in Aviation Maintenance and Aviation Electronics.

PIA offers an Associate in Specialized Technology Degree at its West Mifflin, PA, location and Diploma programs in Youngstown, OH, Hagerstown, MD, and Myrtle Beach, SC.  

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics was recognized as the #1 school fighting the nation’s skills gap in a list published in 2018 by Forbes.

PIA’s campuses in Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Hagerstown and Myrtle Beach have been selected as four of approximately 40 aircraft maintenance schools to partner with Delta Air Lines in an effort to find the schools whose graduates are able to meet or exceed their high expectations.

There is open enrollment through the year accompanied with admissions requirements. For more information, call 1-800-444-1440, or visit www.pia.edu.