WICHITA – Cessna has seleced Eastern Kentucky University, The Ohio State University, Auburn University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Louisiana Tech University for the 2017 Top Hawk program.

Each university will take delivery of a new, custom branded Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft in early 2017 to support flight training, recruiting efforts and promotional activities at their respective universities throughout the year.

“Each year, the Top Hawk program continues to expand its reach and we are excited to grow the program with five university partners in 2017,” said Doug May, vice president, Piston Aircraft. “These universities are renowned for their innovative aviation programs and we are confident they will represent the Top Hawk program and Cessna brand very well as we work together to provide students state-of-the art resources and empower them to choose a rewarding career in aviation.”

In addition to the aircraft, the top students fro each of the five universities will be chosen for a Textron Aviation summer internship. These students will get real world experience, working in various corporate departments such as sales, marketing, flight operations, integrated supply chain and engineering to promote a career in aviation.

Garmin and Bose are also sponsoring the Top Hawk program again this year. Garmin will provide a G1000 database subscription, GDL39 ADS-B receiver, Garmin Pilot subscription and Garmin VIRB XE HD action camera, and Bose will provide its A20 Aviation Headset for each Top Hawk aircraft.