Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) will expand opportunities for aviation science students thanks to a new partnership with PSA Airlines and a $30,000 gift from the company. PSA Airlines executives visited ECSU’s Aviation Science program on March 2, 2023, and held presentations on career pathway opportunities. ECSU will be an affiliate university as part of the airlines’ Cadet Program. PSA Airlines’ gift of $30,000 will offer scholarships, fund student licensing and testing fees and host events for ECSU’s aviation students.

 “It is our honor to welcome Elizabeth City State University as one of our first of several partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities Hispanic Serving Institutions,” said PSA Airlines’ Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steve Jarrett. “At PSA, our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion helps us to create an environment that cares for our team members. We are confident that creating a pathway for students from underrepresented communities can help them to achieve their dream of a career in aviation.”

 PSA Airlines Captain and ECSU alumnus Jonathan Boltz, who serves as Chair of PSA’s Inclusion Council, also shared his enthusiasm for the program and its benefits for aspiring aviation students. “This partnership is the start of a great opportunity for students to join a team where they can bring their passion to life.”

Dr. Karrie G. Dixon, ECSU Chancellor, said, “ECSU is grateful to PSA Airlines for creating a new opportunity that gives our aviation science students the ability to gain experience from a leading regional carrier. The generous gift of $30,000 will be used to grow the university’s aviation program and prepare ECSU students to be the next generation of pilots.”

PSA Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines that provides more than 800 daily regional flights throughout the midwest and eastern United States to nearly 100 destinations as part of the worldwide American Airlines travel network. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, PSA Airlines operates an all-jet fleet consisting of exclusively Bombardier regional jet aircraft.

Media Note: A link to photos is available: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/azr7v9t1qe9kvpkiwl93e/h?dl=0&rlkey=jfh165or7e34qz91oqis55ech