CU Student Choice launches financing option for pilot trainees with APCU/Center Parc Credit Union and AeroGuard Flight Training Center
SAN ANTONIO, TX (June 17, 2024) — CU Student Choice, the leading provider of higher education financing solutions to America’s credit unions, announced that it has collaborated with APCU/Center Parc Credit Union to provide lending solutions for future airline pilots enrolled in the Pilot Pathway Program at AeroGuard Flight Training Center.
“CU Student Choice has recognized a crucial unmet need for funding in skilled trades education,” said Jim Holt, Chief Development Officer for Student Choice. “Estimates show an expected shortfall of 24,000 commercial pilots by 2026, which is why flight programs such as AeroGuard’s are critically important. APCU/Center Parc has stepped up to help future airline pilots fund their education and fill a critical need in our skies.”
John Anderson, Chief Lending Officer for APCU/Center Parc, added, “The ability to help future pilots fund their education aligns with our dedication to provide responsible financing options for some of life’s biggest moments – and biggest expenses. Students enrolled in skilled trades programs often have fewer options available to cover the costs of their education, and we are excited to play a role in supporting the next generation of airline pilots.”
Nearly a dozen Student Choice credit unions now offer funding options for pilot training, nursing, line workers, and other skilled trades programs, in addition to traditional undergraduate and graduate degrees. AeroGuard’s Pilot Pathway Program provides students a direct path to flying for SkyWest Airlines, ultimately leading to career opportunities for pilots with major airlines.
Joel Davidson, AeroGuard CEO, stated “We are thrilled to join forces with APCU/Center Parc Credit Union as this partnership reflects AeroGuard’s commitment to making pilot training education accessible to more individuals and providing several financing options to fund their flight school journey. In working with APCU/Center Parc, we aim to continue meeting the growing demand for skilled pilots across the U.S.”
About CU Student Choice
CU Student Choice is a credit union service organization (CUSO) that positions credit unions as leaders in education finance by offering a comprehensive solution that helps them deliver fair-value private education loans and corresponding financial education to students and families. To learn more, visit creditunions.studentchoice.org.
About APCU/Center Parc Credit Union
At APCU/Center Parc, providing our members first-class service has always been our priority. We’re a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative committed to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. For almost 100 years, we’ve stayed true to these beliefs. As Georgia’s oldest credit union, we’re proud of our tradition of service. Over the years, APCU/ Center Parc assets have grown from an initial investment of $2,505 to nearly $2.5 billion. Today, we’re one of the largest credit unions in the country. We’re proud to serve more than 105,000 members nationwide with a full complement of financial products and services designed to save them money. For more information, visit www.apcu.com.
About AeroGuard Flight Training Center
AeroGuard Flight Training Center is a global leader in ab initio flight training with three U.S. campuses that offer accelerated commercial pilot training programs to candidates from all over the world. With a commitment to safety and student success, AeroGuard’s high quality training has established airline-ready cadets for over 20 years with more than one million flight hours of training experience and graduating over 7,000 cadets. Visit www.flyaeroguard.com to learn more.
