This spring, Endeavor Air is bringing its Student to Endeavor Pilot (STEP) program to three universities with a focus on serving aspiring Black pilots.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Elizabeth City State University and Delaware State University, both Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), will join the Endeavor STEP program as partner schools, becoming the second, third, and fourth HBCUs in the program. Endeavor will also launch a STEP partnership with Luke Weathers Flight Academy (LWFA), a flight school established by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP).

According to the FAA, less than 4% of pilots in the U.S. are Black. By increasing partnerships with schools focused on serving Black flight students, Endeavor hopes to continue encouraging and inspiring Black students to follow their dreams and succeed on their path to the flight deck.

“As a first-generation aviator who did not meet a black pilot until the age of 18, I hope that the partnerships help further increase diversity in the industry,” said Capt. Justin Thompson, a pilot at Endeavor Air and graduate of Delaware State University. “This will ideally increase aviation exposure in communities where it is not as common.”

STEP is a program for aviation students and flight instructors to help them prepare for a successful career as a pilot in the airline industry. Endeavor Air makes regular visits to give presentations, answer questions, and conduct on-site interviews. With a goal of seeing students succeed from the classroom to the cockpit, the only requirement for participation in STEP is that the student is a flight student or instructor at one of Endeavor’s focus schools.

With the addition of the upcoming STEP launches, Endeavor will partner with 26 universities and flight academies. More than 2,000 students are currently enrolled in STEP.

“I hope that the STEP program continues to grow and at some point, has a presence at all HBCUs with aviation programs,” said Capt. Thompson. “I’ve seen first-hand that after students get the opportunity to partake in various different STEP activities, they don’t hesitate to make Endeavor home.”

For more information on the Endeavor STEP program, visit EndeavorAir.com.