MARCH Foundation's $100K Boost For ECSU's Future Pilots Program

Last month, the MARCH Foundation, a group dedicated to fostering community hope and supporting the education of African American youth, made a significant visit to Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) in North Carolina. This visit underscored the foundation's commitment to nurturing the future of aviation by spotlighting the importance of investing in a diverse talent pool of pilots and aviation professionals. The foundation, which includes members with extensive experience at United Parcel Service (UPS), has been a staunch supporter of ECSU's aviation program, contributing $100K last year to aid its development.

Eric Leufroy, a MARCH Foundation board member with over three decades of experience at UPS, expressed enthusiasm about continuing to support innovation and education at ECSU. The visit, hosted by the ECSU Division of Student Affairs and University Advancement, aimed to encourage and prepare students for successful careers in aviation. MARCH, an acronym for Mutual Alliance Restoring Community Hope, was founded 26 years ago by Kenneth B. Jarvis and other African American executives from UPS, with the goal of supporting the education and development of African American youth.

ECSU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon, Ph.D., highlighted the partnership's role in creating opportunities for students, enhancing the university's ability to attract and retain talent essential for the aviation industry. ECSU stands out as the only four-year institution in North Carolina offering an aviation education program and is recognized as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

Dr. Kuldeep Rawat, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Science, Aviation, Health & Technology at ECSU, pointed out the critical need for new pilots in the coming decade due to an anticipated increase in commercial air travel. With forecasts predicting annual enplanements rising from 858 million to about 1.3 billion by 2040, the industry faces a demand for 264,000 new pilots. However, African Americans and women remain significantly underrepresented in this field.

The visit also served as an opportunity for students to learn from experienced professionals. Sean Horton, a Flight Standards and Training Assistant Chief Pilot with UPS Airlines who volunteered his time, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and improvement in leadership. Horton's participation alongside Joel Stenson, Senior Vice President of Operations Technology at UPS, provided students with invaluable insights into aviation-specific leadership skills such as critical thinking and maintaining composure under pressure.

This collaboration between MARCH Foundation and ECSU not only highlights the importance of philanthropic support in making higher education accessible but also focuses on preparing a more inclusive workforce for the aviation industry's future needs.