FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, has announced it is providing $2.5 million to create scholarships dedicated to easing the financial burden of rising education costs on the next generation of aviation professionals.

FedEx Express created the FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship program and is collaborating with six universities and technical schools from around the country that provide valuable education and training for aspiring pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians and other aviation professionals.

David Cunningham, president and CEO of FedEx Express, said the U.S. education system should sharpen its focus on preparing young people for the good-paying jobs in the aviation industry that are needed to support growing international and domestic trade.

“E-commerce is driving increasing demands on both air and ground transportation networks at a time when large numbers of workers in these fields are retiring, or nearing retirement,” Cunningham said. “We are working with schools to strengthen the pipeline of talented and diverse pilots, mechanics and other aviation professionals. The FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship helps lay that foundation for an individual to have a promising and successful career in the industry that FedEx Express created.”

The $2.5 million in grants will go toward dedicated aviation scholarships at the University of Memphis, Delta State University, University of North Dakota, Indiana State University, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, and Arkansas State University Mid-South.

The FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship is an extension of the Company’s recently announced aviation pathways program Purple Runway – A FedEx Pathways Program that was announced April 2, 2018. This industry-leading pilot development program is designed to assist two FedEx Express feeder operators with the recruitment and retention of pilots who wish to develop their skills and experiences to eventually qualify for pilot opportunities at FedEx Express.