Embry-Riddle, Breaking Down Barriers Partner to Expand Education Opportunities

Texas nonprofit gains access to ERAU degrees.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 01:45 PM ET

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Edited By:

Zach Vasile

Flight training. [Credit: Daryl LaBello/Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University]

Key Takeaways:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has partnered with the nonprofit Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) to provide financially disadvantaged students access to ERAU Worldwide degree programs.
Students enrolled in BDB's pilot training program can pursue Bachelor of Science degrees in pilot operations or aeronautics, or an Associate of Science degree in aeronautics, while simultaneously completing flight training.
Breaking Down Barriers, founded by Doug and Gwen Parker, aims to remove financial and systemic obstacles by offering scholarships and educational pathways for aspiring airline pilots.
This collaboration broadens access to aviation education and supports the development of a diverse new generation of professional pilots and aviation leaders.

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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has launched a partnership with a nonprofit that will give financially disadvantaged students access to degrees offered by the ERAU Worldwide campus.

Students enrolled in the Dallas-based Breaking Down Barriers pilot training program will have a choice of a Bachelor of Science degree in pilot operations, an associate degree in science in aeronautics, and a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautics.